What is Redistricting?
What is Redistricting?
Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. Districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each city councilmember represents about the same number of constituents. Assembly Bill 849 (2019) requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach, including to non- English-speaking communities. In the City of San Bernardino, the Mayor and City Council are responsible for drawing ward districts. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which was released in August, 2021.
Why does redistricting matter to me?
Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a ward for purposes of electing a council member. The Mayor and City Council will seek input in selecting the next ward map for our City Council. You have an opportunity to share with the Mayor and City Council how you think ward boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.
You can contact the City Clerk at 909-384-5002 or sbcityclerk@sbcity.org to find out more about how the process works.
What criteria will our City Council use when drawing ward lines?
To the extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria: (1) geographically contiguous districts, (2) the geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (3) geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (4) easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.), and (5) lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness. In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.
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