TITLE VI
Cowlitz County assures every effort will be made to ensure non-discrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not. To ensure this on February 1st, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners executed the Title VI Plan.
It is the policy of Cowlitz County that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, and national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any operation of Cowlitz County as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes.
This policy applies to all operations of Cowlitz County, including its contractors and anyone who acts on behalf of Cowlitz County. This policy also applies to the operations of any department or agency to which Cowlitz County extends federal financial assistance. Federal financial assistance includes grants, training, equipment usage, donations of surplus property, and other assistance.
Prohibited discrimination may be intentional or unintentional. Seemingly neutral acts that have disparate impacts on individuals of a protected group and lack a substantial legitimate justification are a form of prohibited discrimination. Harassment and retaliation are also prohibited forms of discrimination. Examples of prohibited types of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin include: Denial to an individual any service, financial aid, or other benefit; Distinctions in the quality, quantity, or manner in which a benefit is provided; Segregation or separate treatment; Restriction in the enjoyment of any advantages, privileges, or other benefits provided; Discrimination in any activities related to highway and infrastructure or facility built or repaired; and Discrimination in employment.
Title VI compliance is a condition of receipt of federal funds. The Title VI Coordinator is authorized to ensure compliance with this policy, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 USC § 2000d and related statutes, 42 USC 4601 to 4655; 23 USC 109(h); 23 USC 324; DOT Order 1050.2; EO 12250; EO 12898; 28 CFR 50.3 and 49 CFR part 21.
Any person or group who believes they were discriminated against based on race, color, or national origin in programs, services, or activities where there is federal assistance may file a Title VI complaint. A complaint must be filed no later than 180 days after the date of the last instance of alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing is extended by the processing agency. Complaints should be in writing, signed, and filed by mail, fax, in person, or e-mail. If a complainant phones a subrecipient with the allegations, subrecipients shall transcribe the allegations of the complaint as provided by phone and then send a written complaint to the complainant for correction and signature.
Cowlitz County Title VI Plan under Resolution 23-012 .
The Annual Update and Accomplishments Report for the 2025 Fiscal Year
Letter of Acceptance for the 2025 Accomplishments Report
Cowlitz County receives Title VI complaints electronically by submitting the Title VI Complaint Form or can be emailed to titlevi@cowlitzwa.gov.