Hispanic Redistricting Commission Members Sought In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin city auditor continues to seek applicants for the redistricting process with a special call to the Hispanic/Latino community, officials said Wednesday.

Austin residents can apply for the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC), tasked with redrawing city council districts and shape Austin’s future at www.RedistrictATX.org. The city auditor will be part of a virtual live panel discussion for a meeting of HABLA — Hispanic Advocates Business Leaders of Austin — dubbed a "platica" or conversation.

The HABLA meeting will provide an overview and insight into the redistricting process. HABLA is composed of local Hispanic/Latino community and business leaders committed to discussing and developing sustainable solutions on current affairs, public policies and quality of life issues impacting the Latino community. As of Aug. 12, approximately 12 percent of qualified commission applicants have identified as Hispanic/Latino, city officials noted. The complete demographic breakdown can be found on RedistrictATX.org.

The deadline to apply for the Redistricting Commission is Sept. 30

WHEN: 1-2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13

WHO: Austin City Auditor Corrie Stokes, ICRC Commissioner Carmen Llanes Pudila, ICRC Commissioner Maria Solis, HABLA co-Founder/Moderator Paul Saldaña, co-Moderator Patricia Fraga.

WHERE: The Virtual HABLA Platica Meeting will be broadcast and live-streamed on https://www.facebook.com/events/304820194094850/.

For additional information call (512) 974-2805.

Additionally, Austin residents can ask questions on SpeakUpAustin.org or email redistrictatx@austintexas.gov and find more information on social media, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About the Redistricting Process

City of Austin voters approved Proposition 3, a city charter amendment commonly referred to as “10-1,” in November 2012. This charter amendment provides for the election of city council members from 10 geographic single-member districts, with the mayor elected from the city at-large began with the November 2014 election. The amendment calls for the creation of a three-member Applicant Review Panel and a 14-member Citizens Redistricting Commission. The commission will draw the boundaries for the City of Austin’s new council election districts and the panel will select the 60 most qualified applicants from the pool.

The redistricting process happens every ten years, coinciding with the census. The city auditor is tasked with initiating and widely publicizing an application process and taking all reasonable and necessary steps to get a diverse pool of applicants, city officials said.