Hannahlee Allers, hallers@spokanecity.org
Friday, August 5, 2022 at 8:58 a.m.
The City of Spokane Redistricting Board (“Board”) is seeking input from the public on what they feel is most important for the Board to consider when proposing boundary adjustments to current City Council Districts.
The Board has created a ThoughtExchange to collect feedback and members of the public are encouraged to participate at https://tejoin.com/scroll/591795358. The exchange is schedule to close on Friday, August 19, at 12:00 p.m.
Based on 2020 Census Data, the Board is tasked with adjusting current district boundaries as necessary to make them as even as possible population-wise. This is not a full districting plan or overhaul of the current City Council Districts but is focused on simple boundary adjustments.
Washington State Law (RCW 29A.76.010) lays out the following criteria:
(4) The plan shall be consistent with the following criteria:
(a) Each internal director, council, or commissioner district shall be as nearly equal in population as possible to each and every other such district comprising the municipal corporation, county, or special purpose district.
(b) Each district shall be as compact as possible.
(c) Each district shall consist of geographically contiguous area.
(d) Population data may not be used for purposes of favoring or disfavoring any racial group or political party.
(e) To the extent feasible and if not inconsistent with the basic enabling legislation for the municipal corporation, county, or district, the district boundaries shall coincide with existing recognized natural boundaries and shall, to the extent possible, preserve existing communities of related and mutual interest.
A map of the current City Council Districts can be found at https://my.spokanecity.org/citycouncil/members/.
More information about the Redistricting Board, including board members, meetings times, and meeting agendas, can be found at https://my.spokanecity.org/bcc/boards/city-council-districting-board/. The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., and a Town Hall is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
