DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2022
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION
FROM: Patricia M. Barajas, City Clerk
Christopher A. Callihan, City Attorney
Lapkoff & Gobalet Demographers
TITLE: REDISTRICTING SALINAS PUBLIC HEARING #3
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
No recommended motion. Consider the 2020 Census population deviations, proposed draft map plans, receive public input, and provide direction to staff.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider the 2020 Census population deviations, proposed draft map plans, receive public input, and provide direction to staff.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Every ten years upon the release of the decennial census data, the City of Salinas shall adjust the boundaries of any or all its six (6) City Council Districts based on the new census data and criteria set forth in state law and the City Charter. Pursuant to Salinas Charter Article 2, Section 2.4, the City Council must adjust the boundaries so that each district shall be nearly equal in population according to the latest federal decennial census. A new state law (the FAIR MAPS act) requires that the city hold at least four public hearings, even if the Council retains the current election districts.
Our demographers have determined that the official (California Statewide Database) counts show that our Council districts are still sufficiently equal in total population that they can be used until after the 2030 U.S. Census. Election district populations do not need to be exactly equal. Some leeway is permitted: a deviation of up to 10 percent from the ideal district population is permitted between the most and least populated council districts. In our case, the current plan’s deviation is 7.3 percent. Thus, there is no imperative to change council districts in order to balance the council district populations.
BACKGROUND:
Every 10 years, cities must redistrict (adjust Council District boundaries to equalize total populations) using the new Census counts and cities must adopt new boundaries before April 17, 2022. Any new council districts will be used until Census 2030 data are released and incumbents will complete their terms of office even if they no longer live in the district they were elected to represent.
The City Council held its first public hearing on October 12, 2021, following receipt of updated population data from the 2020 Census. Council received information regarding the redistricting process, state law requirements and population data deviations. Council Districts’ 2020 populations need to be nearly equal and deal district population must be 1/6 of the city’s 2020 Census population. The City of Salinas = 164,232 total population; 1/6 of the total is 27,372, for an ideal district population. Plan deviation is the difference between the least and most populous districts, divided by the ideal district size, 10% deviation is permitted = 2,737 persons (27,372 x 10%). The City of Salinas has a 7.3 percent population deviation.
At its October 12, 2021 the City Council requested a reduction in District 5’s population and a more identifiable districts southern boundary for Council consideration on January 11, 2022.
On January 11, 2022, the City Council held Public Hearing #2 and received a report and proposed Plan 1 and Plan 2 from Lapkoff & Gobalet Demographers, Inc.
Plan 1
Most of the southern boundary of District 5 is along Larkin Street with the railroad tracks boundary between District 3 and District 4 with a Plan deviation of 6.6%.
Plan 2
Requires more change to make boundaries easily recognizable and to keep neighborhoods/communities of interest intact to the extent possible. Additional differences include changes along East Alvin Drive from District 6 to District 4; District 1 to District 6 boundary along Boronda Road; District 4 to District 1 along N. Sanborn Road; and a population balance between District 2 and District 1 along Garner Avenue, Towt Street and Del Monte Avenue. Plan deviation of 6.0%. See attachment.
At its January 11, 2022, public hearing, Councilmembers expressed their desire to retain the current district boundaries as there is no significant change in population. City Council acknowledged the potential need to redistrict following the 2030 Census in anticipation of planned development of the Future Growth Area.
The City Council must conduct one more public hearing which is scheduled for March 8, 2022, at which time the Council will need adopt a resolution either retaining the current district boundaries or adopting a plan.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The redistricting process supports the City’s goals by continuing to address the quality of life of all residents and long-term community investment.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The City Clerk’s Office will work in coordination with City Attorney’s office and with direction from the demographers to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal requirements. Additionally, staff will work with the various city department to support public engagement and participation efforts.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
In February 2021 the City Council approved a professional services agreement with Lapkopff & Gobalet Demographers and appropriated $100,000 to cover the cost of a Redistricting Consultant and expenses thereof. No additional fiscal impacts have been identified at this time.
ATTACHMENTS:
Plan 1
Plan 2
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CITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORTCITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT