SPANISH: Continúan los comentarios de los residentes sobre la redistribución de distritos
VIETNAMESE: Ý Kiến Của Cư Dân Tiếp Tục Về Việc Tái Phân Chia Khu Vực
San Rafael, CA – The population of Marin County’s five supervisorial districts has shifted over the past 10 years, according to the official redistricting data released by the State of California based on the 2020 U.S. Census. The County of Marin’s redistricting process could result in some district border adjustments to ensure each County Supervisor represents a similar number of people and complies with federal and state laws.
Over the next several weeks, the County will continue collecting public input and proposed maps from its residents. Two of the four public hearings took place on October 12 and October 26. The next hearing will occur on November 9 at 1:30 p.m., including a presentation of initial adjusted supervisorial district maps for consideration.
County redistricting, which is required by law every 10 years, determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a supervisor. The process is similar in all other government municipalities. Redistricting also keeps the County compliant with both the Voting Rights Act and state requirements.
The final public hearing will take place at 6 p.m. December 7, after which the Board plans to adopt a final supervisorial district map. By law, the final map must be adopted by December 15 to ensure the June 2022 primary election reflects any new boundaries.
The current map, based on the 2010 census, is on the Board’s homepage. Marin’s updated 2020 countywide population of 258,553 (excluding San Quentin State Prison inmates), means that the “ideal” redrawn supervisorial district would have approximately 51,711 residents given our 5 districts. District 4 is the largest district geographically due to its relatively sparse population in West Marin. With 48,283 total residents, District 4 is about 6.6% underpopulated relative to the ideal population of 51,711. The remaining districts are near the ideal population.
When the new census figures are added to the existing district map, there is a total deviation among the 5 districts of 9.18%. While allowable under the law, with a maximum deviation of 10%, the Board of Supervisors continues to review public testimony to consider what adjustments should be made to best ensure representation of its residents.
Public feedback thus far has included requests to keep towns, cities, and “communities of interest” intact as much as possible and, in particular, to make sure there is fair representation for Spanish-speaking residents, renters in multifamily housing, higher levels of immigrants, and lower household incomes.
After the October 26 meeting, the Board of Supervisors asked its demography consultant to prepare draft district plans based on staff and public input in time for the November 9 hearing. The County has provided a new online mapping tool so residents may propose their own supervisorial district maps and identify their own “communities of interest.” All public comments and submitted maps can be seen on the RedistrictMarin.org website.
The Board is switching to a hybrid meeting format starting with the November 2 meeting. The change allows for both in-person and online interaction from participants. The Board chamber at the Marin County Civic Center (Suite 330, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael) will be open for in-person testimony. Visitors are required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing from others while inside the Civic Center, and vaccinations are encouraged. For those online, the participation process on Zoom format will be the same as it has been during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines for participating in a meeting are on the Board’s meeting archive webpage.
Sign up to receive periodic e-mailed updates from County staff under the topic “Marin Supervisorial Redistricting 2021” or check the California Secretary of State’s webpage on redistricting. Video and accompanying documents from past meetings are available on the public website, RedistrictMarin.org, and feedback can be emailed to County staff.
For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-6358 (voice), CA Relay 711, or email the redistricting staff at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.