Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution adopting guidelines for submitting redistricting proposals and providing comments for the 2021 redistricting process.
Summary
DATE: October 19, 2021
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Traci Briggs, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Adopting guidelines for submitting redistricting proposals and providing comments
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The law firm of Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta has been engaged to assist the City in redistricting its city council districts following the 2020 Census. On October 5, 2021, Gunnar Sequist with the Bickerstaff firm presented the Initial Assessment. At that time, Mr. Sequist discussed the process for developing plans, as well as accepting plans from the public. The importance of adopting guidelines for any plan submitted and public comments was also discussed.
The attached resolution would adopt guidelines for plans and comments. The principles include:
• Plans must be written and legible
• Plans must show total population and voting age population for African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Anglo-Other for each proposed district based on the 2020 Census data
• The entire City must be included in submitted redistricting plans
• Plans must comply with the criteria adopted by the City Council for the redistricting process
• Comments must be submitted in writing and be legible
• Those submitting comments or proposals must provide their name, address and phone number, and an email address if available
• All comments must be received by the City Council by the close of the public hearing
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council may decline to adopt the guidelines for proposals and comments, or the City Council may adopt the guidelines.
Which al...
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