HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B: Ward Redistricting
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Work Session: Ward Redistricting
Meeting Date: September 26, 2011 Agenda Item Number: B
Department: Central Services/Planning & Development Staff Contact: Keli Osborn
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5406
ISSUE STATEMENT
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. This
work session is intended to result in the selection of a boundary plan that could be adopted by resolution
in October.
BACKGROUND
The council has met in work sessions to discuss public process and feedback, criteria for developing
ward boundary options, and draft scenarios. The council has focused on two main scenarios that attempt
to balance populations by ward, consider geographic and neighborhood features and strive for relative
compactness and contiguity. A public hearing on these scenarios was held September 19.
Feedback from councilors and the public has highlighted positive attributes, concerns and potential
revisions for the scenarios. Staff will provide related information at the work session. Some
coordination of Eugene boundary changes with new districts for Lane County and the Oregon
Legislature may be desirable, with the goal of providing households and voters greater continuity where
practical.
Another issue is the treatment of properties that could come into the city limits in coming years. The
council resolution provided in October 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,
th
Green Hill Road, Chambers Street, Highway 99, 30 Avenue and River Road as a guide.
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.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
The Eugene Charter provision related to redistricting is general and states:
S:\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110926\S110926B.doc
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.
The Eugene City Code includes the following:
2.692 Elections – Wards. The city council shall by resolution divide the city into eight wards, but neither
this requirement nor any action pursuant to it disqualifies, or shortens the term of office of, a member of
the council or the Eugene Water & Electric Board.
Adopted Council Goals and Outcomes include: Effective, Accountable Municipal Government - A
government that works openly, collaboratively, and fairly with the community to achieve measurable
and positive outcomes and provide effective, efficient services.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
1)Select Scenario 1 as the ward boundaries map.
2)Select Scenario 1 as the ward boundaries map with the following changes:
___________________________________________________________.
3)Select Scenario 2 as the ward boundaries map.
4)Select Scenario 2 as the ward boundaries map with the following changes:
___________________________________________________________.
5)Direct staff to develop a new scenario.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends the council select Scenario 1 or Scenario 2.
If any changes are desired, the City Manager recommends that these be minor, enable a scenario to
maintain conformance with council-adopted criteria, and be communicated through a vote by the council
in the September 26 work session.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to select Scenario _____ as the new ward boundaries map.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Ward Boundary Scenarios and Population Charts
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Keli Osborn
Telephone: 541-682-5406
Staff E-Mail: keli.m.osborn@ci.eugene.or.us
S:\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110926\S110926B.doc
Draft Ward Scenario 1
Z
§
¨¦
5
Ward: 5
Ward: 5
Ward: 6
Ward: 6
Ward: 4
Ward: 4
§
¨¦
105
Ward: 7
Ward: 7
Ward: 8
Ward: 8
Ward: 1
Ward: 1
Ward: 3
Ward: 3
Current Eugene City Council Wards
Eugene UGB
Ward: 2
Ward: 2
Scenario 1
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 6
Ward 7
Miles
Ward 8
00.51
Data Sources: City of Eugene and Regional GIS data
Caution: This map is based on imprecise source data, subject to change, and for general reference only.
City of Eugene -July 21, 2011
Planning and Development Department - Community Development Division
Draft Ward Scenario 2
Z
§
¨¦
5
Ward: 5
Ward: 5
Ward: 6
Ward: 6
Ward: 4
Ward: 4
§
¨
¦
105
Ward: 7
Ward: 7
Ward: 8
Ward: 8
Ward: 1
Ward: 3
Ward: 1
Ward: 3
Current Eugene City Council Wards
Ward: 2
Eugene UGB
Ward: 2
Scenario 2
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 6
Ward 7
Miles
Ward 8
00.51
Data Sources: City of Eugene and Regional GIS data
Caution: This map is based on imprecise source data, subject to change, and for general reference only.
City of Eugene -July 20, 2011
Planning and Development Department - Community Development Division