Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Valeria Acevedo, City Attorney
Contact Info
(830) 221-4281 - vacevedo@nbtexas.org
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SUBJECT:
Title
Presentation on the redistricting process and related matters.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The City hired attorney, Alan Bojorquez, of the Bojorquez Law Firm, PC, in January to assist the City with the redistricting analysis and process in anticipation of the release of the complete 2020 U. S. Census data. Before beginning with the analysis of data to determine if redistricting will be necessary, a training session is being provided to City Council and for the benefit of the public so that interested parties can become familiar with the applicable laws, the process, timing, and citizen engagement opportunities. It is reasonable to anticipate that modifications will need to be made to the city’s single-member districts if the new census reveals population shifts, migration influxes, or diminishment in certain areas or neighborhoods. Typically, the process of redistricting involves addressing concerns regarding racial and ethnic demographics, politics, the law, and often competing community interests.
In addition to achieving proportional balance under the One Person / One Vote standard, this firm will ensure the City’s continued compliance with the U.S. Voting Rights Act, Texas law, and the Home Rule Charter. The firm will follow its standard procedure which will involve the:
• Training Session (today’s workshop)
• Analysis of the census results
• Determination by the City Council
• Establishment of City Council criteria
• Exploration of options for district lines
• Educating the public on the process
• Engagement of the citizenry
• Consultations with special interests
• Consideration of alternative plans
• Providing public notifications
• Publishing public notices
• Conducting public hearings
• Legal assessment of options
• Recommendations by legal consultant
• Adoption of a plan by the City Council
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
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