Susana Alcala Wood, City Attorney Jorge Oseguera, City Auditor Mindy Cuppy, City Clerk Howard Chan, City Manager John Colville, City Treasurer City Council Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2022-00373 February 15, 2022 Consent Item 02
Title: Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission Report to the City Council Making Recommendations to Improve the Redistricting Process in Future Years
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Receive and file.
Contact: Mindy Cuppy, City Clerk, (916) 808-5442, [email protected], Office of the City Clerk
Presenter: Mindy Cuppy, City Clerk, (916) 808-5442, [email protected], Office of the City Clerk
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-2021 Redistricting: Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission Report Recommending Process Improvements
File ID: 2022-00373 Consent Item 02
February 15, 2022
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City of Sacramento
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: Every 10 years, after the U.S. Census, the City of Sacramento must re-establish the boundaries for City Council districts, with balanced populations in accordance with the local, state, and federal rules governing the redistricting process. The 2021 redistricting process is set by the Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission (SIRC), which is made up entirely of 13 community members. SIRC has the exclusive authority to redraw council district boundaries.
Sacramento City Charter § 178 (f) states that within 60 days after the adoption of a final map, the commission shall transmit a report to the city council recommending any changes, including amendments to article XII of the Sacramento City Charter, that could improve the redistricting process in future years. The city council may, by three-fourths vote, adopt by ordinance changes to time limits and deadlines imposed by the charter that are specifically recommended by the commission. The commission adopted the Final Sacramento City Council District Map on December 16, 2021.
The SIRC met on January 24, 2022, approved the draft report, and directed staff to bring the attached report to the full city council.
Policy Considerations: Sacramento City Charter § 178 (f).
Economic Impacts: Not applicable.
Environmental Considerations: Not applicable.
Sustainability: Not applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
Rationale for Recommendation: Sacramento City Charter § 178 (f) states that within 60 days after the adoption of a final map, the SIRC shall transmit a report to the city council recommending any changes, including amendments to article XII of the Sacramento City Charter, that could improve the redistricting process in future years.
Financial Considerations: Not applicable.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.
Background: The Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission was established pursuant to the City of Sacramento Charter and the full Commission had its first meeting on January 13, 2021. The commission adopted the Final Sacramento City Council District Map on
File ID: 2022-00373 Consent Item 02
February 15, 2022
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City of Sacramento
December 16, 2021.
The Commission held 25 public meetings and established and implemented a process for accepting written public comment, communities of interest, as well as including the submission of draft maps and draft partial maps for the commission’s consideration. Hundreds of comments from the public were received and more than 30 draft maps were submitted to the commission by the public.
Below is a summary of SIRC activities:
• February 10, 2021: SIRC adopted the community engagement and outreach plan. • March 10, 2021: SIRC adopted the redistricting timeline and meeting schedule. • Information related to redistricting goals and principles, and requirements and criteria were presented at SIRC meetings on February 10 and April 14 and reviewed them on September 22, 2021. Staff also published related information as Redistricting FAQs on the city’s website.
• From April 28 to September 9, 2021, 9 community outreach and district specific public meetings were held. Staff also held a public training session on September 27, 2021.
• September 22, 2021: SIRC adopted the redistricting map submission and the community of interest boundaries submission processes and timelines.
• October 6, 2021: SIRC adopted the redistricting map evaluation matrix and the map prioritization process. SIRC also adopted the community of interest boundaries submission procedure. The procedure was revised by the SIRC on October 20, 2021.
Below is a summary of the redistricting data and the online mapping tool presented to the commission:
• Review of the Census data format used for redistricting on April 14, 2021, and Sacramento specific redistricting data on September 22 and October 13, 2021. • Demonstration of the interactive online mapping tool on April 14 and September 22, 2021, and a public training session on September 27, 2021. • The online mapping tool with practice data were open to the SIRC commissioners on May 25, 2021 and opened to the public to practice on July 21, 2021. • The online mapping tool with the official redistricting data was open to the public on September 30, 2021, ready for public submission.
File ID: 2022-00373 Consent Item 02
February 15, 2022
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City of Sacramento
• As of October 25, 2021, there were 216 public users in the online mapping tool.
• 7 tutorial documents and 8 training videos were created to help the public learn to use the online mapping tool.
• In addition to the redistricting online mapping tool, a Community of Interest (COI) Mapper was made available for the public to draw and submit boundaries for communities of interest. The COI Mapper was open for the public on August 11, 2021.
As of October 13, there were 63 communities of interest boundaries were submitted by the public.
Outlined below is summary of some, but not all, of the channels used to reach the community:
• Established an outreach stipend program for more than 40+ Community Based Organizations (CBO) and individuals to educate residents about redistricting totaling $40,000 with stipends ranging from $250-$5,000 depending on several factors such as, the number of residents that could be reach, mechanism for reaching i.e., in-person or virtual, language access, number of social media followers, membership and more. For transparency and accountability, the list of CBOs and/or individuals that received a stipend are listed on the City of Sacramento Redistricting webpage and attached.
• Created a user-friendly community toolkit to provide community leaders with the materials they need to educate and engage the public about the redistricting process, translated into multiple languages that includes background information on redistricting, a 5-minute video on redistricting for use by CBOs, neighborhood association (NA) meetings, residents, businesses, property business improvement districts (PBIDs) and SIRC meetings. The toolkit included talking points with key messages, redistricting timeline, and calendar of SIRC meetings, Power Point slides (.pdf presentation), 8.5 x 11 printable flyers in different designs for different languages, social media posts and graphics (in multiple languages) and eblast content for easy use in newsletters.
• Created information packets for the Commissioners and PBIDs including toolkit and collateral materials for pickup at City Hall.
• Doorhangers were created for CBOs and NAs to use in English and Spanish to bring awareness to the public that district boundaries are going to change in 2022
• Ran multiple ads in Sacramento Observer Magazine, Sac Cultural Hub Magazine; Fijian Post Magazine, N Magazine; Natomas Buzz; Outword Magazine; and the Sacramento Bee.
File ID: 2022-00373 Consent Item 02
February 15, 2022
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City of Sacramento
• Created Key Messages for the public to use, examples are as follows:
• Your district’s boundaries are changing.
• Shape the future of your neighborhood.
• Step forward as a leader in your community.
• No one knows the community as you do.
• Speak up for your community.
• What is a district and how do changes affect you?
• Encourage your passionate community members to take action. • Secure fair representation of your neighborhood for the next 10 years. • Real people can ensure long-lasting change for communities. • Keep your community's interests intact.
• Promoting consistently on Facebook and Nextdoor.
• 60 second Public Service Announcements (PSAs), currently running on 97.5; 101.9 (English/Spanish) (formally 103.5); 99.9 (Spanish), were created to drive traffic to the redistricting landing page and inspire community involvement in the redistricting process.
• Blog posts were created to inform residents about redistricting, stipend program and to get involved.
• Press release was issued on redistricting and outreach stipend program.
• Hosted workshop on SIRC outreach stipend program and outreach strategy.
• Hosted Workshop/Training Session on “How to Use the Toolkit” in real-time and streamed live on Facebook for discussions with community leaders and public about the redistricting process, to answer questions and encourage leaders to share campaign materials and to walk participants through each item in the toolkit and how to use it.
• Hosted workshop/training session for CBOs and residents on How to Use the Mapping Software in partnership with IT department and GIS Team and streamed live on Facebook and made available via YouTube.
• Utility Bill Inserts with information on redistricting and how to get involved in June/July, which included enough information, so a person does not have to access the internet.
• City Staff provided information and presentations at more than 15 community festivals and events.
File ID: 2022-00373 Consent Item 02
February 15, 2022
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City of Sacramento
• CBOs, NAs, and individuals hosted and participate in a multitude of events/activities both in-person and virtually.
• Monthly communication with PBIDS and Chambers of Commerce.
• Monthly email and text messages for residents signed up for redistricting information.
• Hosted monthly Community Conversation meetings every 3rd Saturday.
• Hosted conversation on redistricting on radio station KDEE 97.5 with DJ Jay King.
• Attended several NAs meetings providing information about redistricting.
• Presented at Measure U and Inclusive Economic Investment Committee on redistricting.
• Ensured that messages and toolkits were available in Chinese, Dari, English, Fijian, Hmong, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
• Sacramento Bee interview/article published the week of November 1, 2021.
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
Contents
Recommendations ................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Recommendation Area 1. Map Tool(s) .............................................................................................................................. 1 Recommendation Area 2. Information Management and Operations ............................................................................. 2 Recommendation Area 3. Commission Training ............................................................................................................... 3 Recommendation Area 4. Community Engagement ......................................................................................................... 3 Appendix ................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Appendix A: Commissioner Comments to Improve the Commission Process .................................................................. 5 Appendix B: Public Comments to Improve the Commission Process ............................................................................. 19
Recommendations
Sacramento is a diverse and complex city; and it is the hope that the Sacramento City Independent Redistricting Commission (SIRC) can serve as a role model for future independent redistricting commissions by demonstrating that citizens can successfully redistrict. The Commission hopes that the success can lay the groundwork for independent redistricting to become the prevailing practice throughout the country, not just California.
The SIRC and the community had to adjust to virtual and hybrid meeting formats and develop new protocols for implementing redistricting efforts. SIRC was successful despite the COVID-19 pandemic and Census data delays. SIRC would like to offer four (4) areas of focus to ensure the continued success of independent redistricting in the City of Sacramento. Recommendations fall within the following areas:
• Map Tool(s)
• Information Management and Operations
• Commissioner Training
• Community Engagement
Recommendation Area 1. Map Tool(s)
1. This Commission recommends the use of one portal for map submissions. a. Users of the two (2) webpages for submitting proposed COI and District boundary maps could not apply lessons learned navigating one page to help them navigate the other page.
2. It is essential that all Commissioners be able to utilize the mapping tool(s), and it is highly recommended that training begin immediately upon the Commission being selected.
3. Community members come to the process at different stages. Having trainings and public workshops scheduled for the duration of the process is essential.
4. The city should prioritize and formalize an annual process for keeping the definition of Neighborhoods and the Neighborhood map updated.
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
a. Status updates should be provided to the public and the SIRC annually.
Recommendation Area 2. Information Management and Operations
1. An information management plan should be developed to address the collection, storage, retrieving, analyses, and consolidation of publicly submitted information. a. Written communications received from the public should be collected in a manner that enable submissions to be efficiently mined for data.
b. Map submissions, Public comments, Meeting comments, and Emails should be collected and presented to Commissioners grouped by key factors such as district to allow for easier consumption and application.
2. It is recommended that the Commission define a process defined for calendaring agenda items to include solicitation of agenda items/requests from other Commissioners and the staff. a. Schedule and summary of all training and information sessions should be provided to the Commission for review and approval as part of the agenda setting process.
3. The Commission should review any proposed redistricting schedule and be made fully aware that they have the capacity to modify as needed.
a. Tradeoffs involved in modifying the schedule for selecting the final map should be vetted thoroughly prior to Commission adoption.
4. It is recommended that several public comment only meetings be scheduled to allow adequate time for input into the process once public map submission process ends. a. This Commission also suggests the addition of weekend and/or afternoon public comment meetings to allow for more inclusive engagement from the public.
5. Sub committees should be established earlier in the process to allow members to collaborate and gather information through the course of the process.
a. It is recommended that the Final Report subcommittee and Recommended Improvements Report subcommittee be established as early as possible.
6. Better coordination among all City staff appointed to support the Commission, and better communication with the Commission to ensure that all public communications submitted are packaged and provided to the Commission along with other materials prior to meetings. a. Public confusion around the use of three different emails (City Clerk, Community Engagement, and Redistricting) resulted in some communications not reaching the Commission.
7. A Community Engagement subcommittee should be created early in the process. a. It is the recommendation of this Commission that the relationship between Community Engagement staff and the Commission be better defined and explained, with the responsibilities of the Commissioners properly outlined. b. The subcommittee will be tasked with creating a standard process for receiving, communicating to the full Commission, and tracking requests for Commissioner attendance at public/community meetings.
c. This subcommittee will consider establishing public listening sessions to allow for additional public comment time (Pending Legal Review).
i. An established process for capturing the comments and disbursing to the Commission should be created.
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
Recommendation Area 3. Commission Training
1. It is recommended that the Commission meet more frequently in the earlier months to allow time for expanded training. This will allow for more input/flexibility in the map selection timeline. a. This time should be focused on getting Commissioners trained thoroughly on the charter as well as:
i. Redistricting requirements and criteria
ii. Council Districts
iii. Community of interests and their intended use by the Commission iv. Timeline for the redistricting process
v. Approved Commissioner engagement with public
vi. Alternate Commissioner roles/responsibilities
b. Rosenberg’s Rules of Order training should include a tip sheet and basic operating procedures and application of the rules.
i. To ensure Commissioners understand when and how to make, amend, make substitute, and withdraw motions.
2. To improve commissioners understanding of the staff appointed and assigned to the Commission, it is recommended that a reporting structure as it relates to supporting the Commission be provided.
Recommendation Area 4. Community Engagement
1. Additional educational material for the public around meeting protocols and redistricting laws should be created and summary presented at each public meeting. a. Suggested Focus Areas:
i. Distinction between the Commission and other redistricting bodies ii. How comments work
iii. Which redistricting laws apply to the SIRC
2. The Commission recommends that all staff presentations (link and presentation) be made available to the public no later than the start of each Commission meeting.
3. We recommend that a community platform be created that would allow for the submission of maps, comments, and allow public support of other’s submissions. Such a platform would provide a single- entry point for the public to engage with Commissioners and their fellow citizens during the process.
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
Appendix
Many good ideas were brought forward through this process and the Commission recommends that the City Council and future Commissions review and consider:
1. Appendix A: Commissioner Comments to Improve Commission Process
2. Appendix B: Public Comments to Improve Commission Process
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
Appendix A: Commissioner Comments to Improve the Commission Process
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
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Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
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Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
Appendix B: Public Comments to Improve the Commission Process
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements
2021 Redistricting:
Sacramento Independent Redistricting Commission
Report Recommending Process Improvements