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RESOLUTION NO. 02-17825 A RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING THE PARTNESHIP OF THE BILLINGS ASSOCIATION OFEALTORS, THE BILLINGS COMMUNITY HOUSING RESOURCE BOARD (CHRB), THE CITY OF BILLINGS AND THE U.S. DEPT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING FAIR HOUSING IN BILLINGS, MONTANA WHEREAS: Fairness is a cornerstone of the foundation of the American way of life and depicts the best of our traditional values. WHEREAS: Fair housing is a major element of public policy and it is in our national interest to promote and further fair housing. WHEREAS: The Fair Housing Act and other laws guarantee a right to a national housing market free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, and national origin. WHEREAS: The Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS® commits every REALTOR® to providing professional services without such discrimination. WHEREAS: Section 809 of the Fair Housing At requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to work with the housing industry and other interested parties to develop voluntary programs to achieve fair housing. WHEREAS: The National Association of REALTORS® and HUD pioneered a cooperative voluntary approach to achieving our nation's fair housing goals. WHEREAS: The City of Billings is committed to equal opportunity in all its endeavors and further recognizes that Fair Housing is a critical component of cultural diversity and thereby strengthens our community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Billings Association of REALTORS®, the Billings Community Housing Resource Board, the City of Billings, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reaffirm their commitment of partnership to promote fair housing in Billings, Montana BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such partnership is based on the following principles: ---PAGE BREAK--- RES 02-17825 All participants in Billings Montana's housing market share a responsibility for the achievement of fair housing. Billings Association of REALTORS®, the Billings Community Housing Resource Board (CHRB), and the Housing and Urban Development, Rocky Mountains and the City of Billings (the partnership) will, on an ongoing basis, jointly identify fair housing issues and concerns which need be addressed. The partnership will develop measurable strategies and actions to address identified issues and concerns. The partnership will evaluate the results of the actions taken to determine future strategies and actions. The partnership is local in scope but will be implemented in those political jurisdictions from which the Billings Association of REALTORS® draws its membership. REALTORS® are encouraged to adopt a fair housing declaration outlining their commitment to fair housing. This Agreement is approved by the Billings Association of REALTORS®, the Billings Community Housing Resource Board (CHRB), the City of Billings and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Rocky Mountain Office, acting through their respective representatives and signed on April 25, 2002. Ruth Egan John Carson President Regional Director Billings Association of REALTORS®, Inc. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Claudia Stephens Honorable Charles Tooley President – Community Housing Mayor Resource Board (CHRB) City of Billings