City hires first civil rights officer

Starting Feb. 16, Carol Johnson will become Austin’s first-ever civil rights officer. According to a city announcement about her appointment, she “will develop and monitor a clear vision for the Civil Rights Office, advance the city’s non-discrimination efforts, and promote outreach, education, and awareness events for both businesses and community stakeholders.” Johnson said she was “honored to be appointed as the city of Austin’s first Civil Rights Officer and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead in leading the City’s Civil Rights Office toward providing racial and social equity and inclusion for Austin residents.” Formerly the executive director of the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission, Johnson also served as civil rights director for the state of Oregon and director for the programs and compliance branch of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.