06-13-2023 CC RPT 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Redistricting Report • Page 2 On May 23, 2023, the City Council majority, except Council members Cervantes and Conder, voted affirmatively to introduce an Ordinance for Draft Map A4.A Mt. Rubidoux Edit, for establishing the new ward boundary plan. Upon adoption of this ordinance, the map will go into effect in 30 days for the purposes of the County Registrar of Voters to begin processing the new lines. The new wards, however, will not go into effect for the purpose of representation until the 2024 (odd wards) and 2026 (even wards) elections. DISCUSSION: The final Ward Boundary Map results in a total deviation of 6.7%. The preservation of existing neighborhoods, recognition of COls, and contiguity of Wards were significant focal points during the ICGC and City Council deliberations. Sixteen (16) neighborhoods are kept together, and eleven (11) are split (with a slight Grand split due to an unusual census block), and the map creates four (4) Majority/Minority Wards in Wards 1, 5, 6 and 7. The configuration of different neighborhoods, natural barriers, and boundaries within the city made it impossible to satisfy the expressed desire of all COls submitted while maintaining balanced populations. In the end, many residents will remain in their current wards. However, a small population will be deferred or accelerated regarding their eligibility to vote for the Council member representing their ward. Deferral refers to a population who should be eligible to vote during the election in 2024 but was moved into a ward that isn't scheduled to vote until 2026 (they will have to wait six years between city council races). Deferrals occur in Riverside when a portion of an odd ward is moved into an even ward. Acceleration means populations of people who just voted in the last city council election and are now moved into a ward that is scheduled to vote in the 2024 election (they will be eligible to vote in two years between the city council races). Accelerations occur when a portion of an even ward is moved into an odd ward. Nothing occurs when an odd ward is moved into another odd ward (same for even). More specifically, the new ward map will defer a population of about 22,870 and accelerate a population of about 27,670. The City Council should determine an appropriate process for communicating with the deferred population until the Municipal election in 2026. Refer to Exhibit 3 for a visible breakdown of the area that will be deferred. Accelerations and deferrals are a common occurrence during redistrictings, and city staff is already investigating how other cities are managing their delayed residents to ensure proper representation. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: The City's Redistricting Plan contributes to the City Council's Envision 2025 Strategic Plan Priority and Goals: Community Well -Being— Ensuring safe and inclusive neighborhoods where everyone can thrive with the following goal: