Monday, January 31, 2011

Richmond City Council official meeting schedule for February 2011

Richmond City Council, the governing body of Richmond, holds an average of 12 official monthly public meetings to discuss, deliberate, and act on laws, finances and policy on behalf of our community.


RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Monday, 31 January 2010

Richmond City Council official meeting schedule for February 2011

All Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT Richmond City Council, the governing body of Richmond, holds an average of 12 official monthly public meetings to discuss, deliberate, and act on laws, finances and policy on behalf of our community.

A summary of official Richmond City Council Official Public Meetings for the upcoming month is listed below. Meeting times and dates are subject to change and more meetings may be added as needed.

All Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all Council meetings and to contact the Richmond Councilmember elected for their voting district (by phone, in person, via email, or by mail) to learn more; provide input; and/or ask questions. Meetings include (but are not limited to) two “Council Formal” Meeting Sessions, two “Council Informal” meetings, six Council Standing Committee meetings, and Council Public Hearings/ Special Events/Commission meetings held on an as-needed basis.

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.

Parking - Free parking is available for Formal Council meetings in the lot next to Richmond City Hall on E. Broad St., between 10th and 11th Streets.

Televised - Formal Council meetings are televised live on local PBS TV Station, WVCW and replayed daily at Noon and 7:00 p.m. on Richmond Government Access TV Channel 17.

February 2011Richmond City Council Meeting Schedule Summary _______

Monday, February 7, 2011; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE
(This meeting will include discussion of 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Criteria.) Responsible for oversight, monitoring and updating policy regarding Richmond City Council internal operations, Council offices and functions of Standing Committees, Boards and Commissions.

LOCATION Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor Large Conference Room; 900 E. Broad Street

Frequency Typically meets the first Monday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Monday, February 14, 2011; 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council INFORMAL MEETING SESSION
(This meeting will include discussion of 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Criteria.) Responsible for reviewing information and preparing for “Formal” Council meetings. Meetings may include presentations from city administration or private entities.

LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St.

Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Informal meetings are held, and holidays)

Monday February 14, 2011; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council FORMAL MEETING SESSION
(This meeting will include discussion of 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Criteria.) Responsible for deciding official Council action, which includes discussing, adopting, rejecting, and amending laws and approving the budget. Formal meetings include a time for pubic comment and are televised live on the local PBS station and are replayed in Richmond on Government Access Channel 17, beginning at Noon and 7:00 p.m. daily.

LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St.

Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Formal meetings are held, and holidays)

Parking Free parking for Council Formal Meetings is available in the parking lot, located next to Richmond City Hall on East Broad Street, between 10th and 11th Streets.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council PUBLIC SAFETY STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding judiciary, law enforcement, fire and emergency response and prevention, ambulance services and emergency communications.

LOCATION Richmond Police Academy - 1202 W. Graham Road (Richmond’s Northside)

Frequency Typically meets the third Monday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding public mental and physical health, social services, recreation, and the public library. The Committee balances the primary role of the Richmond Public Schools Board regarding oversight of Richmond Public Schools against Council’s responsibility for appropriation of public funds.

LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St.

Frequency Typically meets the third Wednesday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 17, 2011; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council
FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding city fiscal operations, which includes the budgetary process, annual/biannual fiscal plan budgets, revenue and expenses and internal fiscal controls.

LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St.

Frequency Typically meets the third Thursday of each month; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council
LAND USE, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding real estate, housing, environmental issues, and public transportation.

LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd flr; 900 E. Broad St.

FrequencyTypically meets the Tuesday following the 3rd Monday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 24, 2011; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for reviewing general operations of all city administrative departments, agencies and offices and for making appropriate policy and operational changes and recommendations to increase efficiency and meet community priorities.

LOCATION Richmond City Hall, 2nd fl; 900 E. Broad St., 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room

Frequency Typically meets the Fourth Thursday of each month; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Monday, February 28, 2011; 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council INFORMAL MEETING SESSION
(This meeting will include public hearing and adoption of 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Criteria.) Responsible for reviewing information and preparing for “Formal” Council meetings. Meetings may include presentations from city administration or private entities.

LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St.

Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Informal meetings are held, and holidays)

Monday February 28, 2011; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council FORMAL MEETING SESSION
Responsible for deciding official Council action, which includes discussing, adopting, rejecting, and amending laws and approving the budget. Formal meetings include a time for pubic comment and are televised live on the local PBS station and are replayed in Richmond on Government Access Channel 17, beginning at Noon and 7:00 p.m. daily.

LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St.

Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Formal meetings are held, and holidays)

Parking Free parking for Council Formal Meetings is available in the parking lot, located next to Richmond City Hall on East Broad Street, between 10th and 11th Streets.

Member of the
2009–2012 RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL ______________________________

PRESIDENT (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 (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)
_____________________________________________________________

Richmond City Council Office of the Council Chief of Staff
Daisy E. Weaver, Council Chief of Staff
804.646.5921 (office tel)
Daisy.weaver@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)

CONTACT For updated meeting information, please call the Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk, at 804.646.7955.

For more information regarding Richmond City Council, please contact 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

- end -


Richmond City Council - Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219
804.646.5345 tel - www.council.richmondva.gov website






______________________________________
Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
Office of the Chief of Staff
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
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)
skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (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.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Councilman Bruce W. Tyler to hold meeting in the West End 1st District

The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman, Richmond City Council, West End 1st District, will hold a meeting in the West End 1st District. Councilman Tyler holds individual meetings in Richmond’s West End 1st District throughout the year, typically at the same time and place, on the fourth Tuesday of every other month. His meetings include information on his goals and accomplishments, a thematic agenda of current interest and special guests. The meetings are free and all West End 1st District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. This meeting will include:
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Monday, 24 January 2011

Councilman Bruce W. Tyler to hold meeting in the West End 1st District

Entire West End 1st District invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman, Richmond City Council, West End 1st District, will hold a meeting in the West End 1st District. Councilman Tyler holds individual meetings in Richmond’s West End 1st District throughout the year, typically at the same time and place, on the fourth Tuesday of every other month. His meetings include information on his goals and accomplishments, a thematic agenda of current interest and special guests. The meetings are free and all West End 1st District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. This meeting will include:

Agenda ____________________________________________________

• Open Forum
Questions and answers regarding the West End 1st District

• St Mary’s Hospital

• Public Safety Report on the West End 1st District
Richmond Police Department 3rd Precinct

• 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Overview
Councilman Bruce W. Tyler

WHEN Tuesday, 25 January 2011
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

WHERE IMPORTANT NOTE: Meeting to be held in School Cafeteria this time – not in auditorium as usual
Richmond Public Schools - Mary Munford Elementary School
211 Westmoreland Street
Meeting to be held in School Cafeteria this time – not in auditorium as usual
(Between Cary Street and Grove Avenue in Richmond’s West End)

WHO The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman
West End 1st District, Richmond City Council

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Bruce Tyler, at 804.357.6007; or bruce.tyler@richmondgov.com; or, Jennifer Walle, at 363.3442/jennifer.walle@richmondgov.com.


####







______________________________________
Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
Office of the Chief of Staff
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
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)
skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (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.

Richmond City Council establishes Redistricting website

Richmond City Council has established a 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website as part its comprehensive public information efforts that includes preparing and communicating extensive information regarding Richmond’s year-long Redistricting process. 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.


RICHMOND C¬ITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Monday, 24 January 2011

Richmond City Council establishes Redistricting website

Numerous opportunities for Richmond Citizens to learn more, provide input and participate. New Redistricting Plan to be adopted by December 31, 2011

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A) – Richmond City Council has established a 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website as part its comprehensive public information efforts that includes preparing and communicating extensive information regarding Richmond’s year-long Redistricting process. 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.

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 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. New Richmond Voter Districts are to be adopted by December 31, 2011.

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

3. Attending Public Information Meetings, Council Public Meetings and Public Hearings to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions (dates, times and locations listed below)

4. Visiting the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website to learn more (to be established soon)

5. Asking questions, learning more, and sending suggestions or information by email to steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

6. Sending suggestions or asking questions by sending a fax to 804.646.5468

7. Learning more, asking questions and providing suggestions by calling 804.646.6052

8. Signing up for information and Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meeting and Public Hearings email updates/alerts, at: steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Six Stage Process _______________________________________________________________________
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. In the Second Stage they 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 will hold 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 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. Population equality
2. Compactness
3. Contiguity
4. Avoidance of splits of census blocks

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 (ADDED 1.11.11)
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 (ADDED 1.11.11)
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. This will probably include three proposals to choose from. 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 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plans Submitted to Council
The Richmond City Council 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Work Group will submit alternative 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plans (possibly three) to Richmond City Council based on Council’s adopted criteria for Council’s review and guidance, at the following Public Council Meeting:

Monday, April 25, 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

Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan Submitted to Council
The Richmond City Council 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Work Group will present a single draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan to Richmond City Council for their review and approval for it to be submitted to the public for comment, at the following Public Council Meeting:

Monday, May 23, 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, June 6, 2011 Richmond Police Department - Police Academy
6:00-7:30 p.m. 1202 W. Graham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23220
(Richmond’s Northside)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Lucille Murray Brown
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School
6300 Jahnke Road; Richmond, Virginia 23225
(Southwest Richmond)

Wed., June 8, 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)

Thursday, June 9, 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)

Friday, June 10, 2011 Richmond Southside Social Services Center
6:00-7:30 p.m. 4100 Hull Street; Richmond Virginia 23224
(Richmond’s Southside)

Richmond City Council Discussion of
Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
Results of the Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings will be presented to Richmond City Council during the following Public Council Informal Meeting. During this time Council will discuss any modifications, if needed.

Monday, June 13, 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 Review of
Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter 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, June 27, 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 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).
CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manager, at 804.646.6052 (o); 937.1386 (m); or, steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Background ___________________________________________________________________________
As Americans, we govern ourselves at the state, local and national level through a process known as Representative Democracy, in which we choose (elect) fellow citizens to assist us with the ownership and operation of our government. 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 part of our self-governance, we organize ourselves into geographical areas (districts) based on population and use these "voter districts" to determine where we vote and which positions we vote for. As populations shift over time, we redraw (redistrict) these areas to reflect those 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 our population 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 in response to results of the 2010 U.S. Census. Adjustments to voting precincts and locations may also be made at this time.

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

3. Attending Public Information Meetings, Council Public Meetings and Public Hearings to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions (dates, times and locations listed below)

4. Visiting the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website to learn more (to be established soon)

5. Asking questions, learning more, and sending suggestions or information by email to steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

6. Sending suggestions or asking questions by sending a fax to 804.646.5468

7. Learning more, asking questions and providing suggestions by calling 804.646.6052

8. Signing up for information and Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meeting and Public Hearings email updates/alerts, at: steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Six Stage Process _______________________________________________________________________
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. In the Second Stage they 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).

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 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. Population equality
2. Compactness
3. Contiguity
4. Avoidance of splits of census blocks

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

Richmond Elected Government Officials
We use our Richmond Voter Districts to elect the following positions that are established in the Richmond City Charter:
• A Mayor (who must receive the most votes in at least 5 of the 9 Voter Districts and who serves a 4-year term)
• Members of Richmond City Council (elected by district to serve 4-year terms)
• Richmond Public Schools Board Trustees (elected by district to serve 4-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 - click here for link):
• 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)


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 and/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


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov


- 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.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Councilman Chris A. Hilbert to hold meeting in Northside 3rd District

The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Richmond City Council Northside 3rd District, will hold a meeting in the Northside 3rd District. Councilman Hilbert holds individual meetings in Richmond’s Northside 3rd District throughout the year that include information on his goals and accomplishments; a topical agenda; and, special guests. These meetings are free and all Northside 3rd District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Friday, January 21, 2011

Councilman Chris A. Hilbert to hold meeting in Northside 3rd District

Entire Northside 3rd District invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Richmond City Council Northside 3rd District, will hold a meeting in the Northside 3rd District. Councilman Hilbert holds individual meetings in Richmond’s Northside 3rd District throughout the year that include information on his goals and accomplishments; a topical agenda; and, special guests. These meetings are free and all Northside 3rd District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.

The agenda and invited guests for this meeting include:

• 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Overview
Councilman Chris Hilbert

• Public Safety Report on the Northside 3rd District
Richmond Police Department 4th Precinct

• Richmond Changes in Refuse Collection Process
Richmond Department of Public Works

• Richmond Community Garden Program Presentation
Richmond Department of Human Services

• Hudson House Learning Garden Program Presentation
Richmond Public School Linwood Holton Elementary School

WHEN Wednesday, January 26, 2011
6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Police Department Training Academy, Auditorium
1202 W. Graham Road (In Richmond's Northside)
(1 Block west of Brook Road – Near Virginia Union University)

WHO The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Richmond City Council, Northside 3rd District

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, at 804.646.6055 or chris.hilbert@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.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Councilman Charles R. Samuels to hold series of three progressive meetings regarding development of North Boulevard

The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd District, will hold a series of three progressive community-driven meetings to explore the needs and desires of the community with regard to residential and commercial growth on North Boulevard. These meetings are free and open to the public and all citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.


RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov
COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Councilman Charles R. Samuels to hold series of three progressive meetings regarding development of North Boulevard

Community invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd District, will hold a series of three progressive community-driven meetings to explore the needs and desires of the community with regard to residential and commercial growth on North Boulevard. These meetings are free and open to the public and all citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.

Agendas for each meeting will include the following:

WHEN First Meeting: Tuesday, January 25, 2011; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Collaborative audit of North Boulevard and Scott’s Addition Neighborhoods’ community’s needs activities and ambitions.

Second Meeting: Tuesday, February 8, 2011; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Interactive Workshop to apply info from first meeting

Third Meeting: Tuesday, March 1, 2011; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Combining ideas from previous sessions into an overview plan

WHERE Richmond Triangle Players building
1300 Altamont Avenue, Richmond, Virginia

CONTACT For more information, please contact Jan Girardi, at 804.646.6532 or
by email, at jan.girardi@richmondgov.com; or visit his personal website,
at www.charlesrsamuels.com


- E N D -

______________________________________
Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCL 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)
skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (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.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Richmond Redistricting Public Input and Public Information Meetings being held this week regarding Criteria

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A) – As announced, there will be more 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Public Input and Public Information Meetings being held this week regarding criteria. The full action schedule, which includes meeting dates, times and locations is listed below and attached (in pdf and jpg formats), as well as a map (in pdf and jpg formats) of the current Richmond Voter Districts and a map (in pdf and jpg formats) that identifies the areas (Richmond Voter Districts) served by current members of Richmond City Council. The process includes many opportunities for Richmond Citizens to provided input, learn more and participate. Richmond Citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all meetings.


RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Richmond Redistricting Public Input and Public Information Meetings being held this week regarding Criteria

Maps of Richmond Voter Districts and Richmond City Council members attached: Numerous opportunities for Richmond Citizens provide input, learn more and participate: Richmond Citizens invited and encouraged to attend. New Redistricting Plan to be adopted by December 31, 2011

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A) – As announced, there will be more 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Public Input and Public Information Meetings being held this week regarding criteria. The full action schedule, which includes meeting dates, times and locations is listed below and attached (in pdf and jpg formats), as well as a map (in pdf and jpg formats) of the current Richmond Voter Districts and a map (in pdf and jpg formats) that identifies the areas (Richmond Voter Districts) served by current members of Richmond City Council. The process includes many opportunities for Richmond Citizens to provided input, learn more and participate. Richmond Citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all meetings.

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 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. New Richmond Voter Districts are to be adopted by December 31, 2011.

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

3. Attending Public Information Meetings, Council Public Meetings and Public Hearings to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions (dates, times and locations listed below)

4. Visiting the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website to learn more (to be established soon)

5. Asking questions, learning more, and sending suggestions or information by email to steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

6. Sending suggestions or asking questions by sending a fax to 804.646.5468

7. Learning more, asking questions and providing suggestions by calling 804.646.6052

8. Signing up for information and Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meeting and Public Hearings email updates/alerts, at: steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Six Stage Process _______________________________________________________________________
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. In the Second Stage they 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 will hold 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 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. Population equality
2. Compactness
3. Contiguity
4. Avoidance of splits of census blocks

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 (ADDED 1.11.11)
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 (ADDED 1.11.11)
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. This will probably include three proposals to choose from. 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 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plans Submitted to Council
The Richmond City Council 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Work Group will submit alternative 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plans (possibly three) to Richmond City Council based on Council’s adopted criteria for Council’s review and guidance, at the following Public Council Meeting:

Monday, April 25, 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

Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan Submitted to Council
The Richmond City Council 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Work Group will present a single draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan to Richmond City Council for their review and approval for it to be submitted to the public for comment, at the following Public Council Meeting:

Monday, May 23, 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, June 6, 2011 Richmond Police Department - Police Academy
6:00-7:30 p.m. 1202 W. Graham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23220
(Richmond’s Northside)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Lucille Murray Brown
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School
6300 Jahnke Road; Richmond, Virginia 23225
(Southwest Richmond)

Wed., June 8, 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)

Thursday, June 9, 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)

Friday, June 10, 2011 Richmond Southside Social Services Center
6:00-7:30 p.m. 4100 Hull Street; Richmond Virginia 23224
(Richmond’s Southside)

Richmond City Council Discussion of
Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
Results of the Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings will be presented to Richmond City Council during the following Public Council Informal Meeting. During this time Council will discuss any modifications, if needed.

Monday, June 13, 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 Review of
Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter 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, June 27, 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 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).
CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manager, at 804.646.6052 (o); 937.1386 (m); or, steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Background ___________________________________________________________________________
As Americans, we govern ourselves at the state, local and national level through a process known as Representative Democracy, in which we choose (elect) fellow citizens to assist us with the ownership and operation of our government. 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 part of our self-governance, we organize ourselves into geographical areas (districts) based on population and use these "voter districts" to determine where we vote and which positions we vote for. As populations shift over time, we redraw (redistrict) these areas to reflect those 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 our population 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 in response to results of the 2010 U.S. Census. Adjustments to voting precincts and locations may also be made at this time.

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

3. Attending Public Information Meetings, Council Public Meetings and Public Hearings to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions (dates, times and locations listed below)

4. Visiting the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website to learn more (to be established soon)

5. Asking questions, learning more, and sending suggestions or information by email to steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

6. Sending suggestions or asking questions by sending a fax to 804.646.5468

7. Learning more, asking questions and providing suggestions by calling 804.646.6052

8. Signing up for information and Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meeting and Public Hearings email updates/alerts, at: steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Six Stage Process _______________________________________________________________________
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. In the Second Stage they 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).

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 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. Population equality
2. Compactness
3. Contiguity
4. Avoidance of splits of census blocks

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

Richmond Elected Government Officials
We use our Richmond Voter Districts to elect the following positions that are established in the Richmond City Charter:
• A Mayor (who must receive the most votes in at least 5 of the 9 Voter Districts and who serves a 4-year term)
• Members of Richmond City Council (elected by district to serve 4-year terms)
• Richmond Public Schools Board Trustees (elected by district to serve 4-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 - click here for link):
• 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)


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 and/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
Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov


- 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.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Councilman Bruce W. Tyler to hold meeting in the West End 1st District

The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman, Richmond City Council, West End 1st District, will hold a meeting in the West End 1st District. Councilman Tyler holds individual meetings in Richmond’s West End 1st District throughout the year, typically at the same time and place, on the fourth Tuesday of every other month. His meetings include information on his goals and accomplishments, a thematic agenda of current interest and special guests. The meetings are free and all West End 1st District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. This meeting will include:


RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Friday, 14 January 2011

Councilman Bruce W. Tyler to hold meeting in the West End 1st District

Entire West End 1st District invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman, Richmond City Council, West End 1st District, will hold a meeting in the West End 1st District. Councilman Tyler holds individual meetings in Richmond’s West End 1st District throughout the year, typically at the same time and place, on the fourth Tuesday of every other month. His meetings include information on his goals and accomplishments, a thematic agenda of current interest and special guests. The meetings are free and all West End 1st District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. This meeting will include:

Agenda ____________________________________________________

• Open Forum
Questions and answers regarding the West End 1st District

• Public Safety Report on the West End 1st District
Richmond Police Department 3rd Precinct

WHEN Tuesday, 25 January 2011
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

WHERE IMPORTANT NOTE: Meeting to be held in School Cafeteria this time – not in auditorium as usual
Richmond Public Schools - Mary Munford Elementary School
211 Westmoreland Street
Meeting to be held in School Cafeteria this time – not in auditorium as usual
(Between Cary Street and Grove Avenue in Richmond’s West End)

WHO The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman
West End 1st District, Richmond City Council

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Bruce Tyler, at 804.357.6007; or bruce.tyler@richmondgov.com; or, Jennifer Walle, at 363.3442/jennifer.walle@richmondgov.com.


####


______________________________________
Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
Office of the Chief of Staff
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
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)
skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (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.

Public Invited to 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Public Input and Public Information Meeting held tonight: Updated information:

As announced on December 30, 2010, and again on January 11, 2011, the first of many 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Public Input and Public Information Meetings will be held tonight, January 14, 2011 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Richmond Southside Social Services Center, located at 4100 Hull Street in Richmond, Virginia. The full action schedule, which includes meeting dates, times and locations is listed below and attached (in pdf and jpg formats), as well as a map (in pdf and jpg formats) of the current Richmond Voter Districts and a map (in pdf and jpg formats) that identifies the areas (Richmond Voter Districts) served by current members of Richmond City Council. The process includes many opportunities for Richmond Citizens to provided input, learn more and participate. Richmond Citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all meetings.



RICHMOND C¬ITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Friday, 14 January 2011

Public Invited to 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Public Input and Public Information Meeting held tonight: Updated information: Year-long open public process includes six stages

Updated information: Maps of current Richmond Voter Districts and Richmond City Council members are attached: Numerous opportunities for Richmond Citizens provide input, learn more and participate: Richmond Citizens invited and encouraged to attend. New Redistricting Plan to be adopted by December 31, 2011

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A) – As announced on December 30, 2010, and again on January 11, 2011, the first of many 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Public Input and Public Information Meetings will be held tonight, January 14, 2011 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Richmond Southside Social Services Center, located at 4100 Hull Street in Richmond, Virginia. The full action schedule, which includes meeting dates, times and locations is listed below and attached (in pdf and jpg formats), as well as a map (in pdf and jpg formats) of the current Richmond Voter Districts and a map (in pdf and jpg formats) that identifies the areas (Richmond Voter Districts) served by current members of Richmond City Council. The process includes many opportunities for Richmond Citizens to provided input, learn more and participate. Richmond Citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all meetings.

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 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. New Richmond Voter Districts are to be adopted by December 31, 2011.

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

3. Attending Public Information Meetings, Council Public Meetings and Public Hearings to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions (dates, times and locations listed below)

4. Visiting the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website to learn more (to be established soon)

5. Asking questions, learning more, and sending suggestions or information by email to steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

6. Sending suggestions or asking questions by sending a fax to 804.646.5468

7. Learning more, asking questions and providing suggestions by calling 804.646.6052

8. Signing up for information and Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meeting and Public Hearings email updates/alerts, at: steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Six Stage Process _______________________________________________________________________
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. In the Second Stage they 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 will hold 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 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. Population equality
2. Compactness
3. Contiguity
4. Avoidance of splits of census blocks

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 (ADDED 1.11.11)
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 (ADDED 1.11.11)
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. This will probably include three proposals to choose from. 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 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plans Submitted to Council
The Richmond City Council 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Work Group will submit alternative 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plans (possibly three) to Richmond City Council based on Council’s adopted criteria for Council’s review and guidance, at the following Public Council Meeting:

Monday, April 25, 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

Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan Submitted to Council
The Richmond City Council 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Work Group will present a single draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan to Richmond City Council for their review and approval for it to be submitted to the public for comment, at the following Public Council Meeting:

Monday, May 23, 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, June 6, 2011 Richmond Police Department - Police Academy
6:00-7:30 p.m. 1202 W. Graham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23220
(Richmond’s Northside)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Lucille Murray Brown
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School
6300 Jahnke Road; Richmond, Virginia 23225
(Southwest Richmond)

Wed., June 8, 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)

Thursday, June 9, 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)

Friday, June 10, 2011 Richmond Southside Social Services Center
6:00-7:30 p.m. 4100 Hull Street; Richmond Virginia 23224
(Richmond’s Southside)

Richmond City Council Discussion of
Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
Results of the Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings will be presented to Richmond City Council during the following Public Council Informal Meeting. During this time Council will discuss any modifications, if needed.

Monday, June 13, 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 Review of
Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter 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, June 27, 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 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).
CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manager, at 804.646.6052 (o); 937.1386 (m); or, steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Background ___________________________________________________________________________
As Americans, we govern ourselves at the state, local and national level through a process known as Representative Democracy, in which we choose (elect) fellow citizens to assist us with the ownership and operation of our government. 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 part of our self-governance, we organize ourselves into geographical areas (districts) based on population and use these "voter districts" to determine where we vote and which positions we vote for. As populations shift over time, we redraw (redistrict) these areas to reflect those 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 our population 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 in response to results of the 2010 U.S. Census. Adjustments to voting precincts and locations may also be made at this time.

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

3. Attending Public Information Meetings, Council Public Meetings and Public Hearings to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions (dates, times and locations listed below)

4. Visiting the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website to learn more (to be established soon)

5. Asking questions, learning more, and sending suggestions or information by email to steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

6. Sending suggestions or asking questions by sending a fax to 804.646.5468

7. Learning more, asking questions and providing suggestions by calling 804.646.6052

8. Signing up for information and Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meeting and Public Hearings email updates/alerts, at: steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Six Stage Process _______________________________________________________________________
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. In the Second Stage they 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).

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 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. Population equality
2. Compactness
3. Contiguity
4. Avoidance of splits of census blocks

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

Richmond Elected Government Officials
We use our Richmond Voter Districts to elect the following positions that are established in the Richmond City Charter:
• A Mayor (who must receive the most votes in at least 5 of the 9 Voter Districts and who serves a 4-year term)
• Members of Richmond City Council (elected by district to serve 4-year terms)
• Richmond Public Schools Board Trustees (elected by district to serve 4-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 - click here for link):
• 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)


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 and/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


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov


- 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.