Title
Receive Presentation on Chatham County Board of Commissioners Redistricting After the 2020 Census
Abstract
Action Requested: No action requested
Introduction & Background: Following each Decennial Census, electoral districts are typically required to be reviewed and considered for redrawing to correct for population imbalances among electoral districts. Having Residency Districts, according to NC G.S. 153-58(3)d, Chatham County is not required to consider redrawing County Board of Commissioner districts following the completion of the Census. Still, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners may choose to redraw its districts if it finds that there is a substantial inequality of population among the districts.
Discussion & Analysis: Having Residency Districts, there is no legal compulsion for the Chatham County Board of Commissioners to redistrict. The Board reserves the authority to redistrict, however, if it found appropriate by the Board to do so given the results of the 2020 Census. In so doing, the newly drawn districts must be adopted no less than 150 prior to the primary election. With Census data not expected to be available until August or September, it is widely anticipated that the General Assembly will take action that will allow time for redistricting efforts. If the Board chooses to do so, redistricting can be accomplished in-house, primarily through the GIS Division of MIS, or this function can be outsourced to a group that specializes in this work.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: N/A
Budgetary Impact: Budgetary impact depends on Board direction. If the Board chooses not to pursue redrawing districts, no budgetary impact will be realized. If the Board decides to redraw districts, a budgetary impact will be realized. Staff is presently obtaining cost estimates for redrawing districts through an outside vendor; however, if conducted in-house, the direct cost is anticipated to be approximately $5,000. This direct cost is for a one-year license fee for the Esri Redistricting Tool and presentation materials. Indirect costs associated with this project will include staff time.
Recommendation: No recommendation presented at this time.