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Redistricting Process 2021-22
<< Click through the links to the left to learn more about Woodland's redistricting process
Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. 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.
What is redistricting?
Every ten years, 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. In Woodland, the City Council is responsible for drawing council districts. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which is expected to be released by September 30 2021. For the City of Woodland, the redistricting process must be completed by April 17, 2022.
Why does redistricting matter to me?
Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a councilmember.
The Advisory Redistricting Commission, which is made up of members of the public, will provide input in selecting the next district map for our council districts. You have an opportunity to share how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community. You can contact the City Clerk at ana.gonzalez@cityofwoodland.org or (530) 661-5806 to find out more about how the process works.
What do the existing council districts look like?
You can find a map of the City's current council districts here.
What criteria will be used when drawing district lines?
To the extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria: (1) geographically contiguous districts (each city council district should share a common border with the next), (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.
How can I get involved?
Participate in-person or virtually as the Advisory Redistricting Commission considers community input at a series of community workshops. Click here to learn more.
At the June 1, 2021 Council meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 7725, A Resolution Establishing an Advisory Redistricting Commission for the 2021 Redistricting Process to establish an Advisory Redistricting Commission.
It is the desire of the City Council that the Commission reflect the diversity of the community. The Commission will work together to learn about the legal requirements and best practices for redistricting, to engage the public in providing testimony on communities of interest, and to create draft maps to be considered by the City Council.
The five-member body is responsible for advising the City Council on setting the electoral boundaries for City Council districts following the 2020 US Census.
The following individuals are not permitted to serve as members:
- a person who is an elected official of the local jurisdiction
- a family member of an elected official of the local jurisdiction
- an elected official's staff member
- paid campaign staff of an elected official of the local jurisdiction
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