The Boston City Council Committee on Redistricting is currently undergoing the decennial process of reviewing and redrawing the 9 City Council district boundaries according to 2020 Census redistricting data. New district boundaries will be in effect for the 2023-2031 municipal elections until redrawn in 2032 following the 2030 Census. Community engagement and public participation are essential to a redistricting process that strengthens our local democracy and is reflective of the communities that officials are elected to represent.
There will be options to participate in-person or virtually, as well as to submit comments separate from the hearing. To get zoom link or to offer written comments in advance, contact shane.pac@boston.gov
Below is a message fom Councilor Breadon:
As Chair of the Committee on Redistricting, I want to emphasize that the Committee does not have a proposed map at this time, and this hearing is dedicated to discussing community priorities, values, and guidelines (see Docket #1098, Order for the adoption of City Council redistricting principles). Public testimony received will inform the drafting of a proposed district plan, which will then be followed by an extensive public comment and review period prior to final passage.
Due to the short time frame and the importance of engaging residents across every neighborhood of Boston, I respectfully request your assistance to disseminate information on Thursday's upcoming hearing to members of your organization, community, and neighbors.
Further information on the redistricting process is available attached, below, and at boston.gov/redistricting. Also, since some voting precincts were adjusted, added, or renumbered this year, when giving public testimony about a specific neighborhood, it may be helpful to know your 2022 ward and precinct number at boston.gov/my-neighborhood or wheredoivotema.com.
The
criteria and additional common considerations for drawing districts
include:
· Compliance with the Voting Rights Act
· Racial and language minority protections and
voting strength
· Equal population across districts ("One
Person, One Vote")
· Review of demographic data by race, ethnicity,
and voting age
· Compact districts with contiguous boundaries
· Preservation of neighborhoods and communities
of interest
· Analysis of population change and projected
growth
· Encouraging competitive districts
Please do not hesitate to contact my office should you have any questions regarding the redistricting process. I appreciate any assistance toward ensuring that all of our communities' voices are engaged in this process.
Respectfully,
Liz Breadon
Chair, Committee on Redistricting
Boston City Councilor
District 9 - Allston/Brighton
One City Hall Square, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02201
Liz.Breadon@boston.gov | 617-635-3113
boston.gov/redistricting
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