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The Community Relations Commission (CRC) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Goshen by creating programs and initiatives that benefit all community members. The Commission is committed to establishing a city free from racism and discrimination. It fosters strong bonds among residents and within neighborhoods, addresses complex issues, advocates for health, safety, and wellness, and encourages respectful interactions among Goshen’s diverse population.

Nine volunteer Commissioners appointed by the City Council and the Mayor serve on the board. Members include a broad range of representatives who share the vision of a unified, thriving Goshen.

Staffing

Mayor Leichty’s office champions our Community Relations efforts, dedicating multiple staff roles to enhance the work of the Community Relations Commission (CRC). Katy Sonner leads the team as the Director of Administrative Affairs and is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Mayor’s office, including the activities of the CRC.

Hannah Scott Carter is the point person for community engagement as the Community Relations Manager, her focus being on providing direct support to citizens, planning events, broadening community outreach, and handling written communications. Amanda Guzman collaborates closely with Hannah as the Communications Manager, directing the City’s communication strategies. Her responsibilities encompass design oversight, website and social media management, and photography. Hannah and Amanda form a dynamic duo, ensuring that the City communicates effectively with every resident.

Tracy Eggleston Scott supports the team by managing phone inquiries and providing essential administrative assistance.

Purpose

The CRC engaged the community to identify the following vision and guiding principles.

1. Honor the dignity of each person and each person’s rights 
2. Listen to the diverse voices of the community 
3. Cultivate constructive communication and engagement 
4. Value honesty, truthfulness, and integrity 
5. Promote a community that is safe for all 
6. Acknowledge and accept the challenge of change – which may have positive and negative consequences. 
7. Promote the acceptance of differences 
8. Promote the equality and freedom from discrimination 

In the true spirit of being a community-focused organization, the CRC has embarked on a long-term process of inviting others to interact with, endorse, and adopt these principles as their own.

History of the CRC

In 2004, then-Mayor Alan Kauffman and the City Council had the foresight to establish the CRC for the purpose of fostering a climate of positive community relations, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity within and throughout all of Goshen. The Commission was created with the passage of Ordinance 4201 and amended in 2006 by Ordinance 4339 and again in 2009 by Ordinance 4526,

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Resources for Residents

Little Big Ideas Grant

This initiative is aimed at inspiring creativity and enhancing the quality of place in Elkhart County! We’re on a mission to help residents love where they live by unleashing innovative ideas that can transform our communities. This inclusive program invites anyone anyone who cares about where they live to submit their ideas—whether you’ve spotted a fantastic concept in New York, Shanghai, or even Kokomo, let’s test it!

Call the Indiana Civil Rights Commission @ (800) 628-2909.

Website: www.in.gov/icrc/

• 2024 CRC Essay Competition
• 2023 CRC Essay Competition
• 2021 Sundown Town survey summary
• 2021 Letter to the Community
• 2021 Carta a la comunidad
• CRC Annual Report 2021
• CRC Annual Report 2019
• CRC Annual Report 2018
• Meet the CRC Commissioners
• View our guidelines for visitors at CRC meetings and the resolution passed by the CRC adopting the guidelines.
• What does a CRC member do? (Commissioner job description).
• To read our most recent agendas and minutes, scroll down
• CRC agenda and minutes archives

Learn more about the CRC: