TITLE
Recommendation to receive and discuss four redistricting options and provide direction to staff on the preferred redistricting options to be released for public comment. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
This item is the continuation of the redistricting discussion from the May 24, 2011 Council meeting. At that meeting, the Council voted to direct staff to: make a determination that redistricting was necessary; manage redistricting to near a 5 percent variance for those over/under 5 percent; retain district lines as close as possible to their current positions;
move lines to accommodate population and not for parks or monuments; and continue the item to June 7, 2011 and return to the City Council with draft maps for public comment Given this direction, staff has now generated several scenarios for the Mayor and City Council's consideration to release to the community to begin the process.
Overview of the Maps
Based on the March 22, 2011 approved City Council redistricting criteria and the direction given to staff on May 24, 2011 as stated above, the attached maps present four options for potential revised district boundaries. In the attached maps, the areas in red are areas that are proposed to be changed, and the color within the red boundaries shows the new district that area would move to. Each changed area is marked with a letter for identification purposes (listed from top to bottom), and the number indicates the number of residents included within the boundaries of that particular area. Each option has a table showing the previous population and variance from the ideal population, the numerical change under that option, and the revised population and variance from the ideal population. A narrative description of the changes and the change in demographics is also included.
Other Options Possible
The four options shown are not the only options that would result in a solution that meets the City Council's direction. Various aspects of each option may be able to be assembled to result in a solution that would meet the City Council's criteria. Additionally, the City Council may ask for other options that meet the criteria. The purpose of the four options is to provide the City Council and the community with various options to consider.
Next Steps
City staff is requesting direction on the preferred alternatives to release for public comment. The City Council may vote to release all or some of the four options, or request additional options be created to release to the public, After the public comment period, City staff will return to the City Council on July 5, 2011 for a discussion on the maps, receive public testimony, and receive further City Council direction.
Public Comment
Public comment can occur both at the City Council meeting, and through the City's Redistricting website at www.longbeach.gov/redistricting. All maps and redistricting information will be available on the website, as well as a public comment form and an email address dedicated for comments on redistricting. Those comments will be formally submitted to the City Council prior to each City Council meeting on this issue through the agenda process.
This matter was reviewed by Chief Assistant City Attorney Heather Mahood and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on June 3, 2011.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or local jobs associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER