Item 32 - Redistricting Process for Ward Boundaries

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Redistricting Process for Ward Boundaries September 7, 2021 Page 2 At the conclusion of each U.S. Census process, the City must conduct a process to analyze population data in order to redraw district boundaries to ensure that districts are substantially equal in population as required by the United States Constitution and in compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. The California Voting Rights Act and the California FAIR MAPS Act have additional provisions with the purpose of ensuring equal access to voting and representation. Analysis The City of Santa Ana released a Request for Proposal (RFP) on February 8, 2021 and received 5 proposals. Staff conducted evaluations based on the vendor's qualifications including, but not limited to: knowledge and experience, key personnel, resources, and familiarity with the project scope of work. Ultimately, Bear Demographics and Research was selected. Bear Demographics and Research has redistricting experience, and has worked with many recognizable cities including the 2002 and City of Los Angeles City Council and Los Angeles Unified School District Education maps, and the 2012 Central Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors map, and more recent 2020 Census -related litigation. They have also worked on a statewide level in the 2001 California State Assembly map. Bear Demographics' previous work indicates that they are very nimble, responsive, and flexible. They have also displayed a capability of meeting tight deadlines and remaining under budget over the course of decades. Given that the 2020 Census PL 94-171 data will not be released until the end of September 2021 as announced by the U.S. Census Bureau on February 19th, Bear Demographics' consistently excellent work combined with the ability to complete this task with plenty of time for the Orange County Registrar of Voters to finalize the redrawing of voter precinct boundaries makes them a strong choice for this project. This will be paramount to meeting the needs of the City of Santa Ana. Overview of Minimum Procedural Requirements for Redistricting Before adopting a final map of ward boundaries for the redistricting process, the City Council must hold at least four public hearings for the public to provide input regarding the composition of the Council wards (see California Elections Code Sections 21620- 21629). These hearings shall include: • At least one public hearing before maps are drawn. This hearing may be conducted by City staff, a consultant, or an advisory redistricting commission. • At least two public hearings after maps are drawn. • At least one public hearing or public workshop shall be held on a Saturday, on a Sunday, or after 6 p.m. on a weekday Monday through Friday. The City Council must take steps to encourage residents, including those in underrepresented communities and non-English speaking communities, to participate in