The Seattle Open Housing Campaign, 1959-1968

The Citizen's Advisory Committee on Minority Housing

Alfred J. Westberg

Committee Report

In July 1962, Mayor Gordon S. Clinton appointed the Citizen's Advisory Committee on Minority Housing. The Committee was chaired by Alfred J. Westberg, a former state legislator. Following a public hearing on October 19, 1962, at which representatives of many civic organizations testified that housing discrimination was widespread in Seattle, the Committee recommended passage of an open housing ordinance and creation of a Human Rights Commission.

The report of the Advisory Committee, submitted to the Mayor and City Council in December 1962, stated:
"Your committee has concluded that a city ordinance prohibiting discrimination in the sale or rental of housing accommodations on the basis of race, creed, color or national origin is an essential tool for the work of a city commission on human relations . . . Although a number of excellent privately-supported agencies in Seattle are carrying on a general education and public relations program, seeking the voluntary elimination of discrimination in housing and other fields, they lack an official standing."

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