Office of Civil Rights
Who We Are
The Office of Civil Rights was created as an administrative office. The Office of Civil Rights' purpose is to educate and inform the public about civil rights laws. The role of the office in enforcing such laws and the procedures for making complaints of violations of such laws.
Community Resource Directory
See our list of community resources to find further resources and support.
What We Do
- Prevent
- Educate
- Investigate
- Resolve
Service Areas and Information
The Office of Civil Rights addresses discrimination and information through the following areas:
- Housing
- Employment
- Public Accommodation
- Veterans
- Education & Outreach
Leadership
Dr. Tamela Saldana, Acting Civil Rights Director
Dr. Saldana works for the City of Austin’s Small and Minority Business Resources Department, serving as the Assistant Director. She is also currently serving as the City’s Civil Rights Interim Director. Dr. Saldana has close to 25 years of federal, state, and local government experience, having worked as the Director of the federal Disadvantaged and Small Business Program for the Texas Department of Transportation.
Dr. Saldana earned her Doctorate from the University of Texas in Anthropology of the African and African American Diaspora, emphasizing racial and cultural studies. Dr. Saldana has earned two master’s degrees, an M.P.A. in Public Administration from Texas State University and an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been a graduate professor at Texas State University in the Masters of Public Administration Program for more than ten years.
She is a City of Austin’s Executive Academy graduate, a Leadership Texas graduate, and a previous recipient of the Outstanding Women in Texas Government Community Involvement Award. She has received numerous awards recognizing her efforts and support of small and minority businesses.