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Home My WebLink AboutAGENDA REPORT 2021 1201 CCSA REG ITEM 08ACITY OF MOORPARK,   CALIFORNIA City Council Meeting of December 1, 2021 ACTION APPROVED STAFF RECOMMENDATION. BY K. Spangler. A. Second Public Hearing to Receive Comments and Input on the Redistricting Process for the Potential Redrawing of Election District Boundaries; and Receive Presentation by National Demographics Corporation, Inc. on the Redistricting Process, Input on “Communities of Interest” and Other Local Factors, Report of the 2020 Census Demographic Data Specific to Moorpark, Demonstration of Online Mapping Tools; and Receive City Council Direction. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) Receive presentation from the City’s demographer consulting firm, National Demographics Corporation, Inc. including a demographic summary and demonstration of available mapping tools; 2) Open the public hearing and receive public comments and input regarding “communities of interest” districts for the purpose of possibly redrawing election district boundaries and close the public hearing; and 3) Provide direction to staff and NDC regarding possible mapping alternatives for development and consideration at a future hearing. (Staff: Ky Spangler, City Clerk) Item: 8.A. MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT TO: Honorable City Council FROM: Ky Spangler, City Clerk PJ Gagajena, Assistant City Manager DATE: 12/01/2021 Regular Meeting SUBJECT: Second Public Hearing to Receive Comments and Input on the Redistricting Process for the Potential Redrawing of Election District Boundaries; and Receive Presentation by National Demographics Corporation, Inc. on the Redistricting Process, Input on “Communities of Interest” and Other Local Factors, Report of the 2020 Census Demographic Data Specific to Moorpark, Demonstration of Online Mapping Tools; and Receive City Council Direction SUMMARY The Public Hearing scheduled for December 1, 2021, represents the second in a series of four public hearings required under the California Elections Code Section 21600 et seq. as part of redistricting process undertaken following each decennial federal Census. The first public hearing was held on October 20, 2021, where the City Council received a presentation from the City's demographic consultant, National Demographics Corporation, Inc. (NDC) on the requirements under the federal Voting Rights Act and the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA); received a report on the 2020 Census results relative to Moorpark’s population and demographic data; and received information on the mapping tools available to the public for participation in the redistricting mapping process. The second public hearing will recap the redistricting requirements and criteria, review Moorpark’s 2020 Census results, and will include a demonstration of the online mapping tools. Staff also seeks any input and direction from the City Council on parameters to consider for potential maps to be produced by NDC as part of the redistricting process. Any maps produced by NDC will be in addition to maps provided by residents. BACKGROUND The City of Moorpark completed its transition from an “at-large” form of election to a district- based system on April 3, 2019, with the adoption of Ordinance No. 467. Ordinance No. 467 adopted Map 401b creating the City Council district boundaries and establishing the sequence of election each district, with the first district-based election held on November 3, 2020. Per the election sequencing adopted with Map 401b, Council Item: 8.A. 2 Honorable City Council 12/01/2021 Regular Meeting Page 2 representatives for Districts 2 and 4 were elected in November 2020 to four-year terms; Council representatives from Districts 1 and 3 will be elected in November 2022 to four- year terms. The mayoral position remains elected at-large with the Mayor being elected every two years. A history of the public hearings held from October 11, 2018, to April 3, 2019, to establish the City Council district boundaries can be located on the City’s website at: https://www.moorparkca.gov/Districts, including the staff reports, videos and other relevant information. The process of establishing City Council districts was facilitated by NDC, and NDC is assisting the City with the subsequent redistricting process. Requirement for Redistricting and Redistricting Deadline Following every decennial federal Census, the process of redistricting is undertaken at the federal, state, and local levels to review and adjust district boundaries based on population changes identified through the Census process. The California Elections Code 21600 et seq., known as the Fair Maps Act, sets forth the process that cities are required to follow in order to make and adopt any revisions needed as a result of population changes identified in the Census results. The Fair Maps Act requires that a minimum of four public hearings be held to receive public input, prepare and consider population-balanced maps, and adopt a district map to be utilized until the next decennial federal Census is conducted. California Elections Code Section 21602 et seq. establishes timeframes for completion of redistricting following the release of Census results; however due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Census results were not released to states until September 27, 2021, which delayed the ability to formally begin the re districting process consistent with the timelines outlined in the elections code. Section 21602(a)(3) of the Elections Code applies to cities conducting its next regular election on or after July 1, 2022, and reads: “For redistricting occurring before 2031 and where a city does not have a regular election occurring after January 1, 2022, and before July 1, 2022, the boundaries of the council districts shall be adopted by the council not later than 205 days before the city’s next regular election occurring on or after July 1, 2022.” The City’s next regularly scheduled election will be held on November 8, 2022. Based on the provisions of the Elections Code, the City must adopt Council Districts on or before April 17, 2022, which is 205 days prior to the next City Council ele ction. To meet the timeframes outlined in the Elections Code, the City established the following public hearing schedule to complete redistricting process, and provides a small buffer should additional time be required to adopt a population-balanced map: October 20, 2021 First Public Hearing at the time certain of 6:50 p.m. December 1, 2021 Second Public Hearing at the time certain of 6:50 p.m. January 5, 2022 Third Public Hearing at the time certain of 6:50 p.m. February 2, 2022 Fourth Public Hearing at the time certain of 6:50 p.m. April 17, 2022 City of Moorpark’s final deadline for completion of the redistricting process. 3 Honorable City Council 12/01/2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 This evening’s public hearing represents the second in a series of public hearings required under the Fair Maps Act in order to complete the redistricting process for the City. The goals of this public hearing include: 1) receiving a presentation from the City’s demographer, NDC, on the requirements of the Fair Maps Act, 2) receiving an overview of the 2020 Census results, 3) receiving information and demonstration of the mapping tools available to the public to participate in the redistricting process, 4) conducting the second public hearing to receive testimony from residents; and 5) receive direction from the City Council on potential map development to achieve population-balanced alternatives for consideration. DISCUSSION This first redistricting public hearing was held on October 20, 2021, and provided an overview of the redistricting requirements and process and included an overview of the federal Voting Rights Act and the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) criteria; presentation of a demographic summary of the curren t Council districts based on the 2020 Census population data; discussion of the various mapping tools forthcoming for the public and interested parties to use; and provided the opportunity for public testimony and input on the redistricting process for the redrawing of Council District boundaries. 2020 Census Results At the October 20, 2021, hearing, the 2020 Census results were presented including population numbers and demographic breakdowns as well as the “ideal population” number for Council districts. The total population for the City of Moorpark based on the 2020 Census is 36,326. The ideal population is calculated by dividing the total population by the number of districts. When divided against the total population, the new ideal population is 9,081 for each district (36,326 / 4 = 9081.5). It should be noted that the Fair Maps Act requires that “council districts shall be substantially equal in population as required by the United States Constitution” (Elections Code 21601(a)). Under federal law, precisely equal population is not required for local government districts, and federal courts have indicated that total population deviation under 10% is legally permissible, as long as the deviation is justified for the purposes of legitimate redistricting criteria under state law. The new ideal population number results in a “population imbalance” in Council District 3 and Council District 4; the deviations from the ideal population are shown in the table below: Council District 1 2 3 4 Total 2020 Census 9,139 9,066 8,203 9,918 36,326 Deviation from ideal 58 -16 -879 837 1,715 % Deviation 0.63% -0.17% -9.67% 9.21% 18.88% 4 Honorable City Council 12/01/2021 Regular Meeting Page 4 A full breakdown of the demographic data by district is provided as an attachment to the staff report. In that the Moorpark Council District population numbers based on the 2020 Census results exceed the ideal population percentages by more that 10 percent, adjustments to the existing districts are required to achieve a compliant, population balanced Council District map. Fair Maps Act - Redistricting Requirements and Criteria In addition to requiring that council districts be substantially equal in population and a minimum of four public hearings be held to enable interested parties to provide comments and input on the drawing of district maps as part of the redistricting process, the Fair Maps Act also provides criteria that must be adhered to when considering and adopting Council district boundaries. Elections Code Sections 21601(b) and (c) include the following criteria: (b) The council shall adopt council district boundaries that comply with the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10301 et seq.); and (c) The council shall adopt district boundaries using the following criteria as set forth in the following order of priority: (1) To the extent practicable, council districts shall be geographically contiguous. Areas that meet only at the points of adjoining corners are not contiguous. Areas that are separated by water and not connected by a bridge, tunnel, or regular ferry service are not contiguous. (2) To the extent practicable, the geographic integrity of any local neighborhood or local community of interest shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division. A “community of interest” is a population that shares common social or economic interests that should be included within a single district for purposes of its effective and fair representation. Communities of interest do not include relationships with political parties, incumbents, or political candidates. (3) Council district boundaries should be easily identifiable and understandable by residents. To the extent practicable, council districts shall be bounded by natural and artificial barriers, by streets, or by the boundaries of the city. (4) To the extent practicable, and where it does not conflict with the preceding criteria in this subdivision, council districts shall be drawn to encourage geographical compactness in a manner that nearby areas of population are not bypassed in favor of more distant populations.” 5 Honorable City Council 12/01/2021 Regular Meeting Page 5 Additional possible features defining “communities of interest” might include, but be not limited to: 1) school district boundaries; 2) natural division lines such as major roads, hills, or highways; 3) neighborhood landmarks or areas around parks; 4) legislative/election concerns, common issues or neighborhood activities; 5) shared demographic characteristics, including but not limited to: similar levels of income, education, language spoken at home, limited English speaking households, single-family and multi-family housing areas, etc. Mapping Tools and Public Participation The redistricting process is intended to provide inter ested parties with a means to offer public input through testimony during hearings, and to actively participate in the drawing of district maps. There are two ways citizens can prepare and submit a map, either via paper or electronically, and both of these tools can be accessed at https://www.moorparkca.gov/Districts. For those with technology accessibility or other technical issues, a paper map can be printed and marked up with boundaries and district numbers, with each district including approximately equal populations within 10% of the ideal population of 9,081. More technological users may wish to access the online mapping tool link on the Districting webpage and submit a map electronically. NDC will provide demonstration of the digital mapping tool as part of their presentation. All maps submitted, either in paper or electronically, will be published on the City’s Districting webpage and will be provided to the City Council for consideration at the third public hearing scheduled on January 5, 2022. Direction from City Council In addition to receiving a presentation from NDC and conducting the second public hearing, staff is requesting City Council direction on possible mapping options it may wish to have explored in order to achieve a population-balanced map within the 10%± of the ideal population (9,081). In addition to maps which can be submitted to the City by residents, NDC typically provides maps for City Council consideration as part of their suite of services offered to municipalities. The maps bear no more weight than those which may be submitted by the public. Having maps submitted by NDC can also serve as good starting points for further development of future maps should the City receive no maps submitted by the public. Some prior direction has previously been provided into the process from the City. Upon adoption of map 401b, the City Council expressed its desire to potentially remove the “hook” between Districts 2 and 3 when considering future boundary changes. This change would require moving population from District 3 into District 2. The result would be a greater population imbalance in District 3 (currently -9.67% below the ideal population) and may result in a population imbalance in District 2 (currently within the acceptable population deviation). Therefore, it should be noted that as boundary changes are explored in a 6 Honorable City Council 12/01/2021 Regular Meeting Page 6 particular district, “ripple effects” in other districts will occur (i.e., further increases or decreases to population numbers) and will need to be considered holistically for effects to the overall population balance of a proposed district map. FISCAL IMPACT The costs to conduct the redistricting process, including costs for advertising for a series of four public hearings, bilingual translation costs for hearing notices and outreach communications, bilingual translator meeting attendance, and City Attorney costs are allocated in the adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2021/22. COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE This action is consistent with City Council Strategy 2 – “Equity and Inclusion”; Goal 2 – “Practice Respect, Equity and Inclusion Citywide”; and Objective 5 (2.5) – “Complete redistricting process”. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) Receive presentation from the City’s demographer consulting firm, National Demographics Corporation, Inc. including a demographic summary and demonstration of available mapping tools; 2) Open the public hearing and receive public comments and input regarding “communities of interest” districts for the purpose of possibly redrawing election district boundaries and close the public hearing; and 3) Provide direction to staff and NDC regarding possible mapping alternatives for development and consideration at a future hearing. Attachment: 2020 Census Results applied to existing City Council Districts 7 District 1 2 3 4 Total 2020 2020 Census (Adjusted)9,139 9,066 8,203 9,918 36,326 Deviation from ideal 58 -16 -879 837 1,715 % Deviation 0.63% -0.17% -9.67% 9.21% 18.88% % Hisp 28% 17% 17% 66% 33% % NH White 55% 63% 67% 22% 51% % NH Black 2% 3% 1% 2% 2% % Asian-American 12% 14% 11% 7% 11% Total 6,939 6,893 6,611 5,341 25,784 % Hisp 24% 11% 14% 55% 24% % NH White 58% 72% 73% 35% 61% % NH Black 1% 3% 3% 2% 2% % Asian/Pac.Isl.14% 14% 9% 5% 11% Total 5,990 6,845 6,233 4,377 23,445 % Latino est.22% 12% 13% 57% 23% % Spanish-Surnamed 20% 11% 12% 52% 21% % Asian-Surnamed 4% 6% 4% 3% 5% % Filipino-Surnamed 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% % NH White est.72% 79% 79% 39% 70% % NH Black 2% 3% 3% 3% 3% Total 3,840 4,454 4,494 2,132 14,920 % Latino est.18% 10% 11% 51% 18% % Spanish-Surnamed 17% 9% 11% 48% 17% % Asian-Surnamed 3% 5% 4% 3% 4% % Filipino-Surnamed 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% % NH White est.76% 81% 81% 43% 74% % NH Black 2% 3% 3% 3% 2% Total 5,288 6,171 5,635 3,493 20,587 % Latino est.21% 12% 12% 54% 21% % Spanish-Surnamed 19% 11% 11% 49% 20% % Asian-Surnamed 4% 6% 4% 3% 5% % Filipino-Surnamed 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% % NH White est.73% 79% 80% 41% 71% % NH Black est.2% 3% 3% 3% 3% ACS Pop. Est.Total 10,141 8,955 8,612 9,079 36,787 age0-19 29% 23% 24% 29% 27% age20-60 53% 54% 52% 55% 54% age60plus 18% 23% 24% 16% 20% immigrants 17% 12% 11% 27% 17% naturalized 73% 68% 77% 45% 61% english 73% 83% 83% 51% 73% spanish 18% 7% 8% 40% 18% asian-lang 7% 5% 3% 4% 5% other lang 2% 6% 5% 4% 4% Language Fluency Speaks Eng. "Less than Very Well"11% 5% 4% 19% 10% hs-grad 41% 27% 32% 44% 36% bachelor 26% 36% 34% 17% 28% graduatedegree 14% 20% 18% 9% 15% Child in Household child-under18 41% 32% 36% 40% 37% Pct of Pop. Age 16+employed 66% 71% 71% 69% 69% income 0-25k 5% 4% 5% 12% 6% income 25-50k 8% 8% 8% 20% 11% income 50-75k 18% 9% 8% 19% 13% income 75-200k 52% 48% 52% 40% 48% income 200k-plus 17% 31% 27% 8% 21% single family 98% 98% 100% 56% 88% multi-family 2% 2% 0% 44% 12% rented 16% 15% 11% 56% 24% owned 84% 85% 89% 44% 76% Total population data from the California adjustment to the 2020 Decennial Census. Surname-based Voter Registration and Turnout data from the California Statewide Database. Latino voter registration and turnout data are Spanish-surname counts adjusted using Census Population Department undercount estimates. NH White and NH Black registration and turnout counts estimated by NDC. Citizen Voting Age Pop., Age, Immigration, and other demographics from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and Special Tabulation 5-year data. Housing Stats Household Income Education (among those age 25+) 2020 Total Pop City of Moorpark - Current Districts - 2020 Census Adjusted Language spoken at home Immigration Citizen Voting Age Pop Age Voter Registration (Nov 2020) Voter Turnout (Nov 2018) Voter Turnout (Nov 2020) ATTACHMENT 8