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Civil Rights

ADA Enforcement

The Disability Rights and Services Specialist can help you understand your rights, self-advocate, and informally resolve issues about work, housing, public places, and public services in the City of Madison. For more information contact:

Rebecca Hoyt
Disability Rights and Services Specialist (ADA Coordinator) 
(608) 266-6511; RHoyt@cityofmadison.com

You have the right to file a complaint in addition to contacting the Disability Rights and Services Specialist. The laws, processes, and timelines are different depending on which office your complaint is filed in.  See below for more information. 

Disability Discrimination Complaint Options

City of Madison, Department of Civil Rights

If you are a Madison resident and were discriminated against in housing, employment, or public accommodations, you may File a Complaint with the Department of Civil Rights, Equal Opportunities Division. A Civil Rights Complaint is a formal process.  It may involve an investigation, a dispute resolution meeting, and/or a hearing.  The City of Madison works to resolve your complaint within 90 days.

How to File an Equal Opportunities Complaint

  • Online complaint portal
  • In-person: Complaints may be filed in person Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at City County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Room 523, Madison, WI 53703
  • Request a complaint form by mail by calling: 608-266-4910

If you need language access services or an accommodation to complete the complaint form, contact 608-266-4910 or dcr@cityofmadison.com

Applicants and employees of the City of Madison who believe they have experienced employment discrimination by the City of Madison, or a contractor have the right to file a complaint with the Department of Civil Rights, Affirmative Action Division.

How to File an Affirmative Action Complaint

  • In-person: Complaints may be filed in person Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at City County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Room 523, Madison, WI 53703
  • Email: Tracy Lomax, Affirmative Action Division Manager at tlomax@cityofmadison.com
  • Phone: 608-266-6510

If you need language access services or an accommodation to complete the complaint form, contact Tracy Lomax, Affirmative Action Division Manager at tlomax@cityofmadison.com or 608-266-6510

How to File a Complaint about Madison Metro Services 

Madison Metro has an internal complaint process.  These complaints are not processed by the Department of Civil Rights.  To file: 

If you need language access services or an accommodation to complete the complaint form, contact mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com or 608-266-4466. 

Madison Police Department 

Complaints and concerns related to the Madison Police Department may be submitted to the Office of the Independent Monitor.  

How to File a Complaint or Report a Concern with the Office of the Independent Monitor

  • File Online
  • Phone: 608-261-7161
  • Mail or In-person: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at City County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Room 501, Madison, WI 53703

If you need language access services or an accommodation to complete the complaint form, contact Robin Copley, Independent Police Monitor at oim@cityofmadison.com or 608-261-7161. 

The Madison Police Department also has an internal complaint process.  These complaints are not processed by the Department of Civil Rights. 

How to File a Complaint about a Madison Police Department Employee 

  • File Online
  • File by Mail: Download the Complaint of Employee Conduct form (English / Español) and send to Madison Police Department, Chief's Office, GR-21, City-County Building, 211 S. Carroll Street, Madison, WI 53703. Complaint forms are also available at any District Station or Madison Public Library branch.
  • File by Phone: Professional Standards and Internal Affairs Unit:
    • PSIA Lieutenant: 608-266-6502
    • PSIA Sergeant: 608-266-4590
    • PSIA Detective Sergeant: 608-266-4694

Complaints placed after 4:00 p.m. or on weekends should be directed to the Officer-in-Charge at 608-266-4418

  • File In-Person: Chief's Office in GR-21 of the City-County Building, 211 S. Carroll Street, Madison, WI 53703.

You may choose to file a separate complaint with the Police and Fire Commission (PFC) to commence a disciplinary process. 

In addition, blank PFC Complaint Forms are available at the Mayor’s Office, the Clerk’s Office, and at any Public Library. Questions regarding the PFC’s Complaint Process may be submitted to pfc@cityofmadison.com.

If you have questions, need an accommodation or language access services to file a complaint, contact the Professional Standards & Internal Affairs Office at 608-266-6502 or 608-266-4590. 

Filing a Complaint with the State of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

If you do not live in the City of Madison or the discrimination occurred outside of the City of Madison, you can file a complaint with the state. You must live in Wisconsin to file a complaint with the state.  Follow this link for more information about How to File a Civil Rights Complaint.  The Department of Workforce Development reviews complaints about: 

  • Employment
  • Housing
  • Public places of accommodation
  • Post-secondary education
  • Family medical leave
  • and other state laws

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complaints

The ADA is a federal law. Where you file your complaint depends on what your complaint is about.  See below for information about where to file a complaint:

Help with Complaints

If you need advice or help with a complaint, please contact an attorney. Disability Rights Wisconsin offers free legal services to people with disabilities in Madison. If you need additional help finding an attorney, visit the State Bar of Wisconsin's Lawyer Referral and Information Service. The cost of these services will vary depending on the attorney. 

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