Item 5: Ward Redistricting Scenarios Update

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Ward Redistricting Scenarios Meeting Date: October 10, 2011 Agenda Item Number: 5 Department: Central Services/Planning & Development Staff Contacts: Keli Osborn/Jason Dedrick www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Numbers: 541-682-5406/ 541-682-5451 ISSUE STATEMENT The council is scheduled to take action on adopting new ward boundaries on October 24. This work session provides an opportunity to review the most recent options and give direction to staff on a preferred scenario. BACKGROUND The Eugene City Council adjusts council ward boundaries every 10 years to accommodate population changes and shifts – thereby helping ensure equal protection under the laws for Eugene’s residents. In recent months, the council has held a number of work sessions on ward redistricting, and City staff has conducted outreach to educate and solicit input. Two ward map scenarios were the subject of a public hearing on September 19. In a September 26 work session, councilors indicated a preference for one scenario – labeled “Scenario 1,” with relatively modest changes to existing ward boundaries -- and asked to review further modifications. These scenarios are included as attachments, and have been posted to the City’s public website. Based on available 2010 U.S. Census data, Eugene’s population totaled 156,222 – which means that each of the eight wards should have approximately 19,528 residents. 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 must turn in all materials to the City Recorder by February 29, 2012. Among the issues that must be resolved as part of the ward redistricting process is the treatment of properties that could come into the city limits in coming years. The council resolution provided on October 24 will lay out specific parameters for assigning newly annexed properties to wards. Staff will use major streets and geographic features such as the Willamette River, Green Hill Road, Chambers th Street, Highway 99, 30 Avenue and River Road as a guide. In June, the council adopted several criteria for redrawing boundaries: 1.Maintain a population difference of no more than three percent between wards. Creating wards of equivalent populations provides for equal representation, but the smaller the population difference the less flexibility there can be when attempting to reconcile other criteria. The S:\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M111010\S11101025.doc