SAN RAMON, CA — The San Ramon City Council will hold its first of four required public hearings on redistricting Tuesday night.
The city created electoral districts in 2019 and is required by law to re-examine district boundaries, based on 2020 census numbers.
Though the city has hired an independent demographer to help with the process, the council will decide the boundaries by the legally mandated date of April 17.
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Demographer Michael Wagaman will explain the necessary steps for redistricting, then the council will take public comment and offer its own input. With the information from this meeting, Wagaman will begin drawing initial maps for discussion at the next meeting.
California law requires districts to have roughly equal populations and not discriminate against groups to dilute their voting power. As much as possible, they must be geographically contiguous and respect communities of non-political interest.
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Between Wagaman, special legal counsel, and public outreach, the city estimates it will spend about $100,000 on the process.
According to a staff report for Tuesday's meeting, draft maps will be ready by Jan. 22. Another meeting to garner public input is scheduled for Feb. 17. The council is aiming to have final boundaries in place for official approval March 22.
The San Ramon City Council meets virtually at 7 p.m. Tuesday, and can be viewed online (webinar ID# 947 5557 2010).
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