To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners’ Office
Prepared By:
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Kendra Davis, Management Analyst II, Commissioners’ Office
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presenter
Presenter: Kendra Davis, Management Analyst II, Commissioners’ Office
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Subject:
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1:00 PM *Redistricting Process Update
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this study session is to provide an update to the Board of County Commissioners regarding the upcoming redistricting process. The Board heard a proposal on April 6, 2021, and provided feedback on that proposal, as well as approval to move forward. Staff will provide an update on the process and next steps, seek official assignment of staff to assist the redistricting commission, as well as receive any additional feedback the Board may wish to provide.
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Background and Discussion: All counties in the state are required to examine their commissioner districts following a federal census and ensure that each district is as close to equal in population as possible (30-10-306, C.R.S.). In previous years, the new district boundaries were required to be adopted by the board of county commissioners by September 30 of the year following the census.
The State Legislature passed HB 21-1047 (attached) last year which shifted county redistricting requirements to September 30 of the second odd-numbered year following the census (September 2023) and created a new process that includes appointment of a county commissioner redistricting commission that holds open meetings, engages with the public, and drafts no less than three maps for consideration.
At a study session on April 6, 2021, the Board approved a proposal from staff (consistent with the new legislation) wherein the decision-making process allows the Board of County Commissioners to appoint a redistricting advisory committee but allows the Board to retain final decision-making authority on map decisions. The redistricting advisory committee would inform that decision-making process after conducting robust public engagement.
Staff would like to reconfirm the proposal approved by the Board on April 6, 2021, with the following updates appropriate for the current timeline:
• Adjust meeting timeline to accommodate September 30, 2023 submission deadline
• Proposed adoption of final map in August 2023 to allow for redrawing of precinct lines
The proposal also identifies the internal staff team who will support the committee and the recruitment process for the Redistricting Advisory Committee.
Fiscal Impact: There is minimal fiscal impact anticipated beyond staff time. However, any fiscal impacts are anticipated to be minimal and can be absorbed by the Commissioners’ Office budget.
Alternatives: The Board could decide to make changes to the proposal as presented.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☐Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Adopt proposal as presented.
Concurrence: This report has been coordinated with the County Attorney’s Office, Clerk & Recorder’s Office, and Communication Services Division.