RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov
COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Richmond City Council to hold 5 Citywide Public Information Meetings in August regarding Draft Redistricting Plan
Draft Plan Attached: Meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to attend
(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A) – Continuing on a year-long process that began in August 2010, Richmond City Council will be presenting a draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan to Richmond residents during five Council Public Information Meetings being held throughout the city during the second and third weeks of August. The meetings are in keeping with Council’ ongoing open public information process and will be held to present a draft plan and receive public input before it is officially introduced, on Oct. 24, 2011, and voted on by Richmond City Council, on Nov. 14, 2011. The draft plan is attached.
The schedule for the upcoming 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
Draft Plan Public Information Meetings is as follows:
Monday, August 8, 2011 Richmond Police Department - Police Academy;
6:00-7:30 p.m. 1202 W. Graham Road, Richmond, VA 23220
(Richmond’s Northside)
Tues., August 9, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Lucille Murray Brown
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School; 6300 Jahnke Road; Richmond, VA 23225
(Richmond’s Southwest)
Wed., August 10, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Martin Luther King Jr.
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School; 1000 Mosby Street; Richmond, VA 23223
(Richmond’s Eastside)
Thurs., Aug, 11, 2011 Richmond Public Schools – Thomas Jefferson High
6:00-7:30 p.m. School; 4100 West Grace Street; Richmond, VA 23230
(Richmond’s West End)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 Richmond Southside Government Services Center
6:00-7:30 p.m. 4100 Hull Street; Richmond VA 23224
These meetings, originally scheduled for June, were rescheduled to allow Richmond City Council more time for input, discussion and drafting of a plan.
New Richmond Voter Districts are to be based on the 2010 Census population figures for Richmond (available from U.S. Census website, at www.census.gov) and the following criteria (the first five of which are mandatory):
1. Equal population (Making voter districts, as near equal population as possible.)
2. Compactness (Making voter district shapes as closely packed as possible.)
3. Contiguity (Making voter district physically encompassed/connected, which may include spanning water.)
4. Avoidance of split U.S. Census Blocks (Not dividing the smallest geographic unit of census data when forming precincts/districts.)
5. Compliance with the Voting Rights Act (Redistricting Plan must comply with the U.S. Voting Rights Act and be approved by the U. S. Department of Justice
6. The 2011 redistricting plan should, if possible, avoid splits of voting precincts between the Council, School Board, state legislative and congressional election districts.
7. The 2011 redistricting plan should maximize voter convenience and the effective administration of elections.
8. The 2011 redistricting plan should preserve communities of interest.
9. The 2011 redistricting plan should, if possible, consolidate smaller voting precincts so that the number of registered voters in each precinct is at least the statewide average of 2,013.
CONTACT For more information and/or to discuss the Richmond City Council 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting plans or process, Richmond citizens should contact the Richmond City Council Councilmember (contact information below) that represents them or Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manager, Richmond City Council Office of the Council Chief of Staff, at 804.646.6052 (o); or, steven.skinner@richmondgov.com
BACKGROUND __________________________________________________________________________
2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
We, as Americans, govern ourselves at the state, local and national level and choose (elect) fellow citizens to assist us with the ownership and operation of our government. In order to do this, we organize ourselves into geographical areas (districts) based on population and we use these "voter districts" to determine where we vote, which positions we vote for and who we wish to represent us. This self-governance includes deciding how tax monies are invested; what laws are needed; and, what types of services are provided and how they are managed.
As populations shift over time, we redraw (redistrict) these areas to reflect population changes and help ensure everyone is represented as fairly as possible. Thus, every 10 years (decennially), we perform a United States Census to gather statistical information about ourselves and we use this (in accordance with state, local and federal guidelines) to update the boundary lines of our voting districts.
In 2011, Richmond City Council will redraw (redistrict) the existing nine Richmond Voter District boundaries that we use to elect our local Richmond Elected Government Officials (which include: Members of Richmond City Council, Mayor of Richmond, Richmond Public Schools Board of Trustees) in response to results of the 2010 U.S. Census. Adjustments to voting precincts and locations may also be made at this time.
As Richmond citizens, we use our Richmond Voter Districts to elect the following positions that are established in the Richmond City Charter:
Richmond City Charter Officials
• A Mayor (who must receive the most votes in at least five of the nine Richmond Voter Districts and who serves a 4-year term)
• Members of Richmond City Council (elected by Richmond Voter District to serve four-year terms)
• Richmond Public Schools Board Trustees (elected by Richmond Voter District to serve four-year terms)
Virginia Constitutional Officers (Elected Government Officials)
Additional local positions we elect persons to include Virginia Constitutional Officers, which serve at the Richmond level but are established by the Virginia Constitution and are independent of local government. These positions are elected in Richmond citywide (not by district) but voting may be affected due to changes to voting precincts and locations, they include:
• A Richmond Sheriff (elected citywide to serve a 4-year term)
• A Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney of Richmond (elected citywide to serve a 4-year term)
• A Richmond Clerk of the Court (elected citywide to serve an 8-year term)
• A Richmond Treasurer (elected citywide to serve a 4-year term)
National and State Elected Government Officials
Voting for the following national and state positions may also be affected due to changes to Richmond voting precincts and locations (Note: Decennial redistricting of voter districts in which these positions are elected will be performed in 2011 by the Virginia General Assembly:
• A President/Vice President of the United States of America (elected nationally to serve a 4-year term)
• Members of the United States Senate (elected statewide to serve 6-year terms)
• Members of the United States House of Representatives (elected by state districts to serve 2-year terms)
• Members of the Virginia State Senate (elected by state districts to serve 4-year terms)
• Members of the Virginia House of Delegates (elected by state districts to serve 2-year terms)
2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Input
The 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting will be a year-long open public process that will include a comprehensive array of public information communications and numerous opportunities for Richmond Citizens to learn more, provide input and participate, which will include many Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings, and Public Hearings. All Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to learn more about the process and to participate during each step of the way. Some of the many ways to engage in this process include:
1. Contacting the Richmond City Council Councilmember that represents you via
phone, email, meeting or letter (contact information below)
2. Sending a letter to Richmond City Council
2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad St., Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
2. Attending Public Information Meetings, Council Public Meetings and Public Hearings to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions (dates, times and locations listed below)
3. Visiting the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website to learn more. The website is located on the City of Richmond website under the “Highlighted Information” button by clicking the word Redistricting. The direct address is: http://www.richmondgov.com/Redistricting/index.aspx. The Redistricting website contains information and documents regarding Richmond’s redistricting process and will be updated with new information throughout the year as the process proceeds. Richmond citizens are invited an encouraged to visit the site, provide input, and to attend all Redistricting meetings scheduled for the process.
4. Asking questions, learning more, and sending suggestions or information by email to steven.skinner@richmondgov.com
5. Sending suggestions or asking questions by sending a fax to 804.646.5468
6. Learning more, asking questions and providing suggestions by calling 804.646.6052
7. Signing up for information and Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meeting and Public Hearings email updates/alerts, by sending a request email to: steven.skinner@richmondgov.com
Six Stage Process (Note: STAGE 4 Updated) _______________________________________________
The 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process will be organized into six stages. In the First Stage, Richmond City Council will choose what redistricting criteria are to be used, which will include Public Input and Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. During this First Stage, Council will implement a multi-faceted and comprehensive Public Information communications plan to help ensure Richmond citizens are aware of the Redistricting process. This Public Information is critical to the process and will continue throughout the process. In the Second Stage Council will vote to adopt their selected criteria, which will include Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. In the Third Stage, Richmond will receive 2010 U.S. Census Data for Richmond. In the Fourth Stage, Council will use the criteria and Census Data to draft a 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan (This will probably include three proposals to choose from.), which will include Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. In the Fifth Stage they will vote to adopt a Plan, which will include Public Hearings. New Richmond Voter Districts are to be adopted by December 31, 2011. In the Sixth Stage, they will seek approval (clearance) required from the United States of America Department of Justice per the U. S. National Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 1973–1973aa-6).
Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings
Throughout this six-stage process, Richmond City Council is implementing a multi-faceted and comprehensive Public Information communications plan to help ensure Richmond citizens are aware of the Redistricting process. As part of this plan, Council will hold and publicize a number of Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings to help provide information, discuss, receive input, and answer questions regarding the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond Citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. All meeting locations are located on a GRTC bus line and are accessible by people with disabilities. The meetings will include the following topics, dates, times and locations (which are subject to change):
STAGE 1 – Choosing Richmond Redistricting Criteria
Richmond City Council will choose from among a number of criteria to decide which ones they want to use to base their redistricting changes to Richmond Voter Districts. In the first stage of the process they will choose the criteria. There are a number of Mandatory Criteria that must be used. There will be a number of Public Information Meetings and Public Council meetings held with regard to this important part of the process.
Mandatory Redistricting Criteria that Council must use include the following:
Mandatory Redistricting Criteria
1. Equal population (Making voter districts, as near equal population as possible.)
2. Compactness (Making voter district shapes as closely packed as possible.)
3. Contiguity (Making voter district physically encompassed/connected, which may include spanning water.)
4. Avoidance of split U.S. Census Blocks (Not dividing the smallest geographic unit of census data when forming precincts/districts.)
Council, at its discretion, may choose (or choose not to) add other Traditional Redistricting Criteria, which may include some, all, none and/or other types of examples of criteria listed below:
Other Traditional Redistricting Criteria
1. Avoidance of splits of voting precincts
2. Preservation of communities of interest
3. Preservation of shape of existing district
4. 4. Protection of incumbents and avoidance of pairing of incumbents
5. Political fairness or competitiveness
6. Voter convenience and effective administration of elections
The following Stage 1 Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings will be held to present and discuss the different redistricting criteria that Richmond City Council may choose to use to base their redistricting changes to Richmond Voter Districts:
Public Input and Pubic Information Meetings to Present and Discuss Redistricting Criteria
The following Stage 1 Richmond City Council Public Input and Public Information Meetings will be held to present, discuss and receive public input on the legal redistricting requirements and the different criteria that Council may choose from to base redistricting changes to Richmond Voter Districts:
Friday, January 14, 2011 Richmond Southside Social Services Center
6:00-7:30 p.m. 4100 Hull Street; Richmond, Virginia 23224
(Richmond’s Southside)
Monday, January 17, 2011 Richmond Police Department - Police Academy
6:00-7:30 p.m. 1202 W. Graham Road; Richmond, Virginia 23220
(Richmond’s Northside)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 Richmond Public Schools – Martin Luther King Jr.
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School
1000 Mosby Street; Richmond, Virginia 23223
(Richmond’s East End/Gateway)
Wed., January 19, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Lucille Murray Brown
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School
6300 Jahnke Road; Richmond, Virginia 23225
(Southwest Richmond)
Thursday, January 20, 2011 Richmond Public Schools – Thomas Jefferson
6:00-7:30 p.m. High School
4100 West Grace Street; Richmond, Virginia 23230
(Richmond’s West End)
Results of Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings presented to Council
Results of the Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings will be presented to Council during the following Public Council Informal Meeting:
Monday, January 24, 2011, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Informal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Richmond City Council discussion of redistricting criteria
Richmond City Council will discuss the criteria they want to choose from during the following Public Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee Meeting:
Monday, February 7, 2011, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee Meeting
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room
900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Richmond City Council discussion of redistricting criteria
Richmond City Council will discuss the criteria they want to choose from during the following Public Council Informal Meeting:
Monday, February 14, 2011, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Informal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Richmond City Council Introduction of Redistricting Criteria Resolution
Richmond City Council will introduce a Resolution that selects the criteria they want to choose from during the following Public Council Formal Meeting
Monday, February 14, 2011, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
STAGE 2 – Public Hearing and Adoption of Richmond Redistricting Criteria
Richmond City Council will hold the following Public Hearing and vote to officially adopt Richmond Redistricting Criteria during the following Richmond City Council Formal Meeting:
Monday, February 28, 2011, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219
STAGE 3 – 2010 U.S. Census Data for Richmond received
Richmond City Council will receive the 2010 U.S. Census Data for Richmond and make them available to the public.
February or early March 2011
Data estimated to be received/available from U.S. Census Office in late February or early March 2011
STAGE 4 – Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings regarding Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
Richmond City Council will use their officially adopted redistricting criteria and the 2010 U.S. Census Data to draft a 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan. As part of this process, Richmond City Council will hold Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. These will include information regarding legal requirements for redistricting, criteria selected by Council, Richmond population shifts over the past 10 years and the approval (clearance) required from the United States of America Department of Justice per the U. S. National Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 1973–1973aa-6).
Initial Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan worked on by Council
Richmond City Council works on plan for redistricting - meetings and locations to be scheduled as needed and shared with the public.
March-July 2011
Council reviews and informally “OKs” a Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan to present at Public Information Meetings
Monday, Tuesday July 19, 2011; 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Redistricting Work Session
Richmond City Hall, 5th Floor Conference Room
900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Council Informally “OKs” a Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan to present at Public Information Meetings
Monday, July 25, 2011; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Public Information Meetings to Discuss
Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
The following Richmond City Council Public Input and Public Information Meetings will be held to present the Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan to the public to present, discuss and receive public input.
Monday, August 8, 2011 Richmond Police Department - Police Academy;
6:00-7:30 p.m. 1202 W. Graham Road, Richmond, VA 23220
(Richmond’s Northside)
Tues., August 9, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Lucille Murray Brown
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School; 6300 Jahnke Road; Richmond, VA 23225
(Richmond’s Southwest)
Wed., August 10, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Martin Luther King Jr.
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School; 1000 Mosby Street; Richmond, VA 23223
(Richmond’s Eastside)
Thurs., Aug, 11, 2011 Richmond Public Schools – Thomas Jefferson High
6:00-7:30 p.m. School; 4100 West Grace Street; Richmond, VA 23230
(Richmond’s West End)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 Richmond Southside Government Services Center
6:00-7:30 p.m. 4100 Hull Street; Richmond VA 23224
Richmond City Council Discussion of Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan
Richmond City Council will review and discuss proposed Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan during the following Public Council Informal Meeting:
Monday, Sept. 6, 2011; 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Informal Meeting;
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Council Reviews/Makes Any Final Adjustments to Draft Plan and Determines Final Plan to be Introduced
Monday, October 10, 2011, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Informal Meeting;
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219
STAGE 5 - Public Hearing and Adoption of 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
Richmond City Council Introduces Final 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan as an Ordinance
Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Richmond City Council Public Hearing/Adoption of 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan
Richmond City Council will hold a the following Public Hearing on the Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan and vote to officially adopt it during the following Public Richmond City Council Formal Meeting:
Monday, November 14, 2011, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219
STAGE 6 – Approval of the U. S. Department of Justice
Richmond City Council will send a copy of the adopted 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan (which will be provided to the public) to be approved (cleared) by the United States of America Department of Justice per the U. S. National Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 1973–1973aa-6). Anticipated clearance to be received by December 31, 2011
Member of the 2009–2012 RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL ______________________________
PRESIDENT (2009-2010 and 2011-2012)
The Honorable Kathy Graziano
Councilwoman, Richmond City Council - Southwest 4th District
804.320.2454 (office tel); 339.8393 (mobile)
kathy.graziano@richmondgov.com (email)
VICE PRESIDENT (2009-2010 and 2011-2012)
The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson
Councilwoman, Richmond City Council - Gateway 6th District
804.646.5724 (office tel); 314.7658 (mobile)
ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com (email)
West End 1st District
The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman
Richmond City Council - West End 1st District
804.357.6007 (mobile)
bruce.tyler@richmondgov.com (email)
North Central 2nd District
The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman
Richmond City Council - North Central 2nd District
804.646.6532 (office tel); 690.0898 (mobile)
charles.samuels@richmondgov.com (email)
Northside 3rd District
The Honorable Christopher A. Hilbert, Councilman
Richmond City Council - Northside 3rd District
804.646.6055 (office tel) 306.0875 (mobile)
chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com (email)
Central 5th District
The Honorable E. Martin Jewell, Councilman
Richmond City Council - Central 5th District
804.646.5724 (office tel); 332.3654 (mobile)
marty.jewell@richmondgov.com (email)
East End 7th District
The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman*
Richmond City Council - East End 7th District
804.646.3012 (office tel)
cynthia.newbille@richmondgov.com (email)
*Elected November 3, 2009 in special local election
Southside 8th District
The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman
Richmond City Council - Southside 8th District
804.646.6592 (office tel); 240.5050 (mobile)
reva.trammell@richmondgov.com (email)
South Central 9th District
The Honorable Douglas G. Conner, Jr., Councilman
Richmond City Council - South Central 9th District
804.646.6592 (office tel); 512,0500 (mobile)
doug.conner@richmondgov.com (email)
MAILING ADDRESS/WEBSITE
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall - 900 East Broad Street, Suit 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219 - 804.646.7955
www.council.richmondva.gov (website)
Richmond City Council __________________________________________________________________
MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget.
VISION Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.
CONTACT _______________________________________________________________________________
For more information and/or updated schedule, Richmond citizens should contact the Richmond City Council Councilmember that represents them or Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manager, Richmond City Council Office of the Council Chief of Staff, at 804.646.6052 (o); or, steven.skinner@richmondgov.com
- e n d -
______________________________________
Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)
www.council.richmondva.gov(website)
____________________________________________
MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council
is to represent citizens in creating and amending
local laws, providing government policy and
oversight, and approving the city budget.
VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.
