Feb. 13—HIGH POINT — High Point will try once again to join the ranks of other local governments that enforce federal fair housing laws.

A City Council committee has recommended adopting an ordinance that would empower the city to investigate complaints from residents about discrimination in housing practices and — if necessary — take cases to federal court.

The full council will consider the ordinance later this month.

It failed by one vote under the previous council, but the city’s new governing body, which includes a new mayor and four new members, likely has the votes to enact it this time.

If adopted, it would then be reviewed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to make sure it aligns with federal fair housing laws.

High Point’s practice has been to screen housing discrimination complaints they receive and, if they rise to the level of a case that warrants investigation, refer them to the North Carolina Human Relations Commission.

The city sent 11 complaints to the agency last year and has forwarded eight since July 1.

Most cases involve complaints on the basis of a disability by a tenant against their landlord or property manager.

Supporters of the proposed city ordinance argue that the scale of need is far greater than what’s reflected in these numbers, because tenants often are afraid to reach out for help or get discouraged and don’t pursue a case when they learn the city doesn’t handle fair housing directly.

Advocates maintain that the city can provide fair housing services more effectively than someone at the state level.

If the local ordinance is adopted and approved by HUD, the city would then look to fill a fair housing investigator position that’s already budgeted.