Formed in 1963 because of increasing racial tension, the Citizens Interracial Committee (CIC) sought to create community dialogues and educate people about racial issues and concerns within city limits. In 1964, the CIC became an official non-profit organization and received city funding. Initially, the CIC consisted of a director (Carroll Waymon), a secretary, a consultant and a clerk. Over the next several years the city increased CIC funding, allowing the agency to expand to include other employees and services.

Under the directorship of Carroll Waymon, the organization responded to complaints, generated reports on racial issues and incidents (such as the Mountain View Park disturbance), created community dialogue through meetings, events, and a news column in The Voice, and sent out speakers and educational materials to educate the public about racial tension in San Diego. Because of city funding, the CIC's activities primarily targeted the metropolitan area.

The County saw a need for a similar agency, and in 1969, the County decided to partner with the City in order to create a county-wide Human Relations Commission, which would phase out the CIC. Many believed the City's decision to end CIC funding had more to do with CIC criticism of the City than the creation of a larger commission, and a community backlash against the City's decision ensued. Despite these efforts, the CIC eventually disbanded on December 31, 1969.