TITLE
Recommendation to provide City Manager with direction regarding desired communication with the California Citizens Redistricting Commission pertaining to state and federal districts in Long Beach. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Citizen Redistricting Commission (Commission) has begun the process to redraw the state and federal districts within Long Beach. Although the City Council has no formal decision-making authority in the redistricting process of these districts, the process does provide the City an opportunity to offer input to the Commission regarding the redistricting process.
At the February 15, 2011 Study Session, the City Council requested that staff bring an item to the City Council in March to allow for discussion and input to the Commission. It is recommended the City Council take this opportunity to begin the discussion as to what should be conveyed to the Commission. At the Study Session, the City Council expressed an interest in requesting the Commission to hold a public workshop in Long Beach. The City Council also expressed a desire to discuss whether it is more advantageous for Long Beach to be represented by one district or by multiple districts.
The Commission will take public input until the final maps are required to be finalized on August 15, 2011. At this point, the Commission has not held meetings on specific boundary recommendations; however, now that the 2010 Census data is available, that discussion is expected to begin shortly.
This matter was reviewed by Chief Assistant City Attorney Heather A. Mahood on March 10, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on March 11, 2011.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER