Commission on Human Relations
| Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) | |
|---|---|
| Type | City agency under the Home Rule Charter; nine-member mayoral commission plus staff |
| Led by | Executive Director Renee Chenault-Fattah (per the City's leadership page) |
| Laws enforced | Fair Practices Ordinance; Fair Criminal Records Screening Standards (Fair Chance Hiring) law |
| Address | 601 Walnut St., Suite 300 South, Philadelphia, PA 19106 |
| Phone | (215) 686-4670 |
| Website | phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-commission-on-human-relations |
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) is the city's official civil rights agency. It enforces local anti-discrimination law, investigates complaints, and works on community relations and tension reduction. It is a city body created under the Home Rule Charter, distinct from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (a state agency) and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Department of Housing and Urban Development.[1]
1 Structure
The agency is led by a nine-member commission appointed by the Mayor. The commission decides disputed complaints and conducts public hearings, and meets in both executive and public sessions.[1] A professional staff headed by an executive director handles intake, investigation, mediation and outreach. The FY2025 annual report lists Renee Chenault Fattah as executive director.[2]
2 Laws and jurisdiction
PCHR accepts complaints about discrimination in employment, housing or property, and public accommodations, and about criminal record discrimination in employment.[1] The core law is the Fair Practices Ordinance, found in the Philadelphia Code, which bars discrimination on listed protected classes beyond those in state and federal law. Amendments to the Fair Chance Hiring law took effect in January 2026.[1] Coverage by the Fair Practices Ordinance overlaps with state and federal statutes, so a complainant may have choices about where to file, with different deadlines and remedies. Filing deadlines differ by law and by agency, so a complainant should ask PCHR at (215) 686-4670 about the time limit that applies before waiting to file.
3 Complaint process
Residents call (215) 686-4670 to schedule an in-person appointment; the agency lists Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.[1] After a complaint is filed, staff notify the respondent, investigate, and may attempt mediation or settlement. Unresolved cases can go to a finding of probable cause and a public hearing before the commission, which can order remedies under the ordinance. Parties can generally seek review in court. For the broader range of complaint avenues, see How to File a Complaint. This is general information, not legal advice.
4 Community relations
Beyond enforcement, PCHR runs education and community-relations work, including responding to bias incidents and conflicts among groups. It collaborates with Office of Immigrant Affairs, Office of LGBT Affairs and Office for People with Disabilities.
5 Relationship to other bodies
Housing discrimination complaints can also involve the Fair Housing Commission, which handles landlord-tenant rent and repair disputes rather than discrimination, and landlord-tenant courts (see Eviction Diversion and Landlord-Tenant Court). Employment complaints may also go to the Office of Worker Protections for wage and leave issues. City Council amends the ordinances PCHR enforces.
See also: Fair Housing Commission, Office of Worker Protections, Philadelphia City Council.
References
- City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, department page, phila.gov.
- Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, FY25 Annual Report (phila.gov, December 2025).
- Philadelphia Code, Chapter 9-1100 (Fair Practices Ordinance), via American Legal Publishing.