2021 Redistricting

Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. Assembly Bill 849 (2019) requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops, and doing public outreach, including to non-English-speaking community members.

What is redistricting?

Every ten years, districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each city councilmember represents about the same number of constituents. In Pasadena, the City Charter Section 1201 (DISTRICTS) designates the City Council to establish the seven Council Districts of the City, which states, “The City Council shall, by ordinance, establish seven districts which shall be used for all elections of Councilmembers. Said districts shall be as nearly equal in population as practicable and such redistricting shall be in compliance with applicable laws.”

To assist with this process, the City Council has appointed a Redistricting Task Force to examine changes in population and recommend a redistricting plan to the City Council for its consideration.

Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which is normally released around March 31st following each decennial census. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 U.S. Census and the resulting data was significantly delayed. The redistricting data that the City will use to consider changes to the seven City Council districts will not be available until around September 30, 2021. For the City of Pasadena, the redistricting process must be completed by December 15, 2021, so this redistricting cycle will be extremely impacted by the resulting short timeframe to complete the full process.

Why does redistricting matter to me?

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a councilmember. The Redistricting Task Force and the City Council will seek input in considering district boundary adjustments and adopting the next district map for Pasadena’s City Council. Members of the public will have an opportunity to share with the Task Force and the City Council opinions on how district boundaries should be drawn to best represent the community and communities of interest in the City. You can email the City Clerk at cityclerk@cityofpasadena.net or call (626) 744-4124 to find out more about how the process works.

What do the existing council districts look like?

You can find a map of the City’s current council districts here: City of Pasadena Council District Boundary Map

What criteria will our City Council use when drawing district lines?

To the extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria: (1) geographically contiguous districts, (2) the geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (3) geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (4) easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.), and (5) lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness. In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.

How will the Redistricting Task Force and City Council notify the public about redistricting?

The Redistricting Task Force and the City Council will reach out to local media to publicize the redistricting process. Also, the City staff will make good faith efforts to notify community groups, neighborhood associations, and local non-profits of various kinds about the redistricting process. Public hearings and several community workshops will be held, with language assistance provided if residents submit a request in advance. City staff will notify the public about redistricting public hearings and community workshops, and post maps online before adoption. Information regarding the redistricting process can be found on the City’s redistricting website: www.cityofpasadena.net/redistricting, which contains relevant and historical information about the redistricting process.

How can I get involved?

The Redistricting Task Force and the City Council will be holding public hearings and several community workshops to receive public input on suggested adjustments to district lines. Dates, times, and meeting format/locations are provided on the City’s redistricting webpage.

Members of the public can also submit public comments, including suggested draft maps, by emailing: cityclerk@cityofpasadena.net

Where can I find out more?

The City maintains a webpage on the city’s redistricting process here: www.cityofpasadena.net/redistricting