Item 3 - Ward Redistricting Scenarios

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Public feedback on the two scenarios has been limited in quantity, but the quality of input has been high because of the interest of those who have taken opportunities to participate in different ways. An online public survey and interactive ward maps are available on the City’s website. In the last five months, staff has provided ongoing updates to a growing list of interested parties, generated news releases, responded to media requests, sent information through neighborhood leaders, offered to meet with neighborhood and civic groups, and held a public forum. Some constituency groups – Lane County League of Women Voters, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and Neighborhood Leaders Council – have continued to follow the process closely. While the public feedback has been mixed, at this time there appears to be slightly more support for Scenario 1 or a revised scenario that would be similar. While some have been intrigued by the Scenario 2 impacts on Ward 5, there also has been concern about addressing the Santa Clara neighborhood without fully considering impacts of new boundaries on other neighborhoods. Taking Ward 3 across the river also has raised some concerns as being a significant change for residents. A question has arisen about whether it would be possible to draw Ward 3 boundaries to retain or add more likely voters. The percentage of registered voters in Ward 3 currently is lower than in other wards and both scenarios show no appreciable change. While voter registration is not and cannot be a major criterion, staff has considered other ways to “grow” Ward 2 into Ward 3, but has been unable to maintain wards that are relatively compact and contiguous. Another issue staff has heard concerns the relationship between ward boundaries and the boundaries for neighborhood associations. Staff considered school attendance and neighborhood association boundaries, although these were not primary criteria adopted by the council. The recognized neighborhood association boundaries vary significantly and strict alignment with ward boundary options was impossible to achieve while striving for near-equal populations across wards. An attachment shows the breakdown of neighborhood associations by councilor. For some, an issue is the number of associations a single councilor might represent or the number of councilors any one neighborhood association might have as its elected representatives. The council is scheduled for a Monday, September 26, work session on ward redistricting at which direction on an existing or alternative scenario, along with suggested refinements, ideally would be provided. The council is scheduled to adopt a resolution and new ward boundaries on October 24. To facilitate election-related activities, the final boundary decision should occur well before the 2012 filing deadline for the seats that will be up for election next May for the Eugene City Council and Eugene Water & Electric Board. Candidates could begin filing on September 8, 2011, and must turn in all materials to the City Recorder by February 29, 2012. RELATED CITY POLICIES The Eugene Charter provision related to redistricting is general and states: Section 33. Wards. The council shall divide the city into wards and redefine the boundaries thereof as necessary to accord persons in the city the equal protection of the laws. No person may vote at a city election in a ward other than that in which he or she resides. S:\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110919\09-19-11 Item 3 - Ward Redistricting Scenarios.doc