DATE: September 3, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Attorney
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing No. 4 to Consider Draft City Council District Maps Prepared by the Demographers Based on Input from the Community for Establishing District-Based Elections Beginning in 2026 and Provide Direction to Demographers Regarding the Draft Maps; Discussion of Election Sequencing for District-Based Elections Beginning in 2026
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Council conduct the public hearing, receive a presentation from the demographers, including presentation of draft City Council district maps for district-based elections beginning with the 2026 election cycle, receive input from the community regarding the draft district maps and sequencing for district-based elections beginning in 2026 and provide direction to the demographers regarding the draft district maps.
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SUMMARY
On April 16, 2024 the City Council adopted a resolution declaring its intent to begin the process of transitioning from at-large elections to district-based elections beginning with the 2026 election cycle. The election of the Mayor will continue to be conducted at-large. The transition process began with two public hearings required by Elections Code section 10010. During these hearings, the City Council received input from the community regarding the composition of the proposed districts. Public hearings were previously held on May 14, 2024, May 28, 2024, and August 13, 2024.
This will be the fourth public hearing on this matter, which will focus on reviewing the draft City Council district maps prepared by the demographers based on input from the community. The Council will also receive further feedback from the community regarding the draft district maps, as well as provide additional direction to the demographers regarding the draft district maps. Following this hearing, the demographer will incorporate feedback from the Council and community to develop a final proposed district map for consideration and adoption. Subsequent public hearings will involve consideration and adoption of a final City Council district map, as well as introduction and adoption of an ordinance establishing district-based elections beginning in 2026. Those hearings are anticipated to take place in October 2024. This transition process does not impact the upcoming November 2024 election.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Notice of Public Hearing
Attachment III PowerPoint Presentation