Austin’s Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission (ICRC) invites community input in redrawing the 10 city council districts as the summer schedule of public forums continues.
A summer schedule has been set for getting Austin residents’ input on drawing new maps for the districts, a press release said. The 14 community volunteers on the ICRC redraw the districts based on the 2020 Census – data from which the commission will have access to in late August – and public input.
“The #RedistrictATX Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission wants feedback from residents to help redraw the 10 city council districts—a change that will impact city government for the next 10 years. More info + input opportunities: http://bit.ly/3iTdvjt,” the City of Austin tweeted.
Public testimony will be used to gather information about communities’ unique characteristics, the press release said.
“Important! Your feedback is needed,” Austin Mayor Steve Adler tweeted on Twitter.
Public forums have been conducted in several districts, but other meetings scheduled, according to austintexas.gov, are the following: District 6, at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3, by videoconferencing; District 3, at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 7, Ruiz Branch Library, 1600 Grove Boulevard; District 2, at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 10, at Mendez Middle School, 5106 Village Square Drive; District 1, at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 14, at George Washington Carver Museum, lobby, 1165 Angelina St. and District 5, at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 17, at Manchaca Road Branch Library, 5500 Manchaca Road.
The city hopes to have the new district maps approved by the November 2022 election, the press release said.
“Per City Charter Article II Section 1, the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is empowered to divide the city into 10 geographical council districts for the election of council members,” the Austin government website said.
The new 14 community volunteers on the ICRC will serve for a 10-year term, the press release said.