Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Discussion
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Discuss Formation of a Districting Commission for Adjustment of City Council District Boundaries pursuant to the 2020 Census.
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Submitted By: Melany K. Crawford, Chief Assistant City Attorney.
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): Pursuant to the City's Charter, within thirty (30) days following official certification of the decennial census to the state of Florida, or at any interim period chosen by the City Council, the City Council must appoint a Districting Commission to prepare a report for a recommended plan for adjustment of the four City Council district boundaries.
Presentation Information: The City Manager and City Attorney will address any issues related to the discussion.
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council provide staff direction regarding formation of the Districting Commission.
Background: The U.S. Census Bureau conducted the 2020 census and certification of census results is anticipated to be forthcoming.
Issues/Analysis: The City of Port St. Lucie's redistricting process is outlined in the City Charter. Within 30 days following official certification of the decennial census to the state, or at any interim period chosen by the City Council, the City Council must appoint 10 city electors, determined from the registration for the last statewide general election, who comprise the Districting Commission. (Art. V. ? 5.05 Port St. Lucie Charter). Within 120 days of appointment, the Districting Commission must file with the official designated by the Council, a report containing a recommended plan for adjustment of the four City Council district boundaries. The plan must comply with the following requirements: (1) Each district shall be formed of compact, contiguous territory; (2) The districts shall be based on the principle of equal and effective representation as required by...
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