The Office of Human Relations Contract Compliance & Standards

About Us

The Office of Human Relations, Contract Compliance & Standards ensures the City operates with integrity, accountability, and fairness to opportunity. We connect policy to practice by overseeing compliance, strengthening contracting processes, and supporting workforce and business development.

Through data-driven oversight and strategic partnerships, we promote fair practices, responsible use of public funds, and expanded access to City opportunities. This work is performed under the direct supervision of the Mayor.

Our focus is clear: to ensure systems are compliant, aligned, and accessible—driving measurable progress for the community.

If your business is currently registered with the City and you are interested in learning more about contracting and business opportunities, or would like to share ideas on how the City can create greater opportunities for local businesses, we encourage you to contact our office. You can reach us by phone at 717-255-3016 or 717-255-3015, or by email through the Special Assistant to the Chief Officer of Human Relations, Contract Compliance & Standards Elizabeth Mejia at [email protected]. 

For a list of current solicitations and information about the City's contracting process, please click here to visit the Office of Purchasing page. To register your business with the City of Harrisburg or update your vendor information, please click here to access the Vendor Registration Form to sign up for solicitation notifications.   

What We Do

The Human Relations, Contract Compliance & Standards Department serves as a centralized unit within the City, ensuring that policies, practices, and public investments are carried out with integrity, accountability, and fairness. We plan, organize, and execute day-to-day compliance activities while building strong relationships within and outside of City government.

Our work is grounded in three core areas:

Human Relations ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements by monitoring obligations, investigating complaints, and providing guidance to support fair and equitable outcomes.

Contract Compliance ensures contractors and vendors meet the terms of their agreements with the City by monitoring performance, verifying compliance, tracking deliverables, and ensuring public funds are used responsibly. This work strengthens accountability and advances participation from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) through early engagement and consistent oversight.

Standards establishes clear expectations across departments, vendors, and partners by implementing consistent processes, tracking performance, and reinforcing measurable outcomes.

We manage daily compliance operations supported by research, data analysis, and monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to inform decision-making and maintain accountability. We also maintain a Resource Network that connects private entities—particularly disadvantaged and under-served businesses—to certification, compliance support, and contracting opportunities, while partnering with financial institutions to support workforce development through financial literacy and access to opportunity.

We represent the Mayor’s Office at public functions, maintain strong stakeholder relationships, and operate in accordance with established policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

Through data-driven tools, cross-departmental coordination, and workforce initiatives such as the Harrisburg Opportunities for Professional Experience (HOPE) Internship Program, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Mentoring Information & Resource Network (MIRN), and the Future Guided Readiness & Opportunity for Workforce (GROW) Apprenticeship Program, we connect policy to practice and strengthen how the City delivers services and expands access to opportunity.

Outcome
A coordinated, compliant, and relationship-driven approach that ensures consistent execution, strengthens accountability, and delivers measurable, equitable outcomes across contracting, workforce development, and community engagement.

2026 Goals
Strategic Alignment & Capacity Building

• To strengthen contracting outcomes, workforce opportunities, and internal collaboration by building stronger partnerships and improving coordination across City operations. A key focus will be continuing to grow and maintain the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Approved Contractors Directory to increase visibility and create greater opportunities for qualified firms and local contractors to compete for and participate in City projects.
• The Office will also continue working closely with the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) team to connect workforce and opportunity initiatives with broader public safety efforts. In addition, we will strengthen our partnership with Procurement Services to encourage earlier engagement in the contracting process, improve communication, clarify expectations, and support the consistent application of compliance standards.
• The goal is to create a more connected and proactive approach that expands opportunities, improves outcomes, and ensures City resources, partnerships, and contracting efforts are working together effectively to benefit residents, businesses, and the community.

Strategic Goal – Trend Insight

• To make Trend Insight a regular part of how we evaluate and improve our work across contracting, workforce development, and community engagement efforts. By consistently tracking participation and reviewing data over time, we can better understand what is working, identify areas that may need additional attention, and make informed adjustments when necessary.
• The goal is to use data as a practical tool to guide decision-making, measure progress, strengthen accountability, and ensure our efforts remain aligned with the City’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity for all residents and businesses.

Strategic Goal – Access & Opportunity (A&O) Insight

• To establish Access & Opportunity (A&O) Insight as a core function of the Office, using data to better understand participation, measure progress, and inform decision-making across contracting, workforce development, and community engagement efforts. Through consistent tracking and analysis, the Office will identify where access and opportunities are expanding, recognize areas where gaps remain, and make informed adjustments to improve outcomes.
• The goal is to strengthen accountability, support strategic planning, and ensure our efforts remain focused on creating meaningful opportunities for residents, businesses, and the broader community.

Strategic Goal – Strategic Focus

• To establish Strategic Focus as the guiding framework for setting priorities, directing resources, and aligning efforts across Human Relations, Contract Compliance, and Standards. This includes clearly identifying key areas of focus and ensuring that programs, initiatives, and partnerships are intentionally aligned to improve outcomes, address gaps, and expand access and opportunity.
• The goal is to maintain a proactive and coordinated approach that supports informed decision-making, strengthens accountability, and advances the Office’s overall mission and strategic objectives.

Finally, if you are a new business, we encourage you to contact our office directly. We would love the opportunity to learn more about your business, hear about your goals, and discuss ways we can help connect you with opportunities throughout the City of Harrisburg.

We are excited to build relationships with local businesses and look forward to working with you as we continue to create pathways for growth, collaboration, and success across our community.

Important Documents & Links