The following also is provided in Spanish. Lo siguiente también es provisto en español.
The United States Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) requires a count of residents in each state be taken every 10 years (known as the census) to determine the amount of representation each state receives in the U.S. Congress as well as direct taxes. The state of Arizona and the city of Phoenix also require that representation and district boundaries be adjusted every 10 years, according to population size – referred to as “redistricting”. During the redistricting process, the city of Phoenix uses current census information to adjust council area boundaries so that each has approximately an equal population size. The city of Phoenix is divided into eight council districts, each represented by a council member.
Data and information about the redistricting process is available by clicking on the links to the left of your screen.
Review the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Review a map of the current City Council districts.
In July 2010, the City Council adopted a schedule and plan for redistricting that is similar to prior processes used in the past, including contracting with a consultant to provide redistricting services.
The city redistricting plan will be completed in five phases.
Phase 1: December 2011 through January 2012 – The consultant prepares a database and analyzes federal census data, prepares a mapping application and presents the data and redistricting process to the City Council.
Phase 2: January through April 2012 – A technical forum will be conducted on the details of the mapping process and requirements, and public meetings will be held in each Council District to provide information to residents about the process and plan submission as well as gather input. Redistricting information kits will be distributed and residents may submit input on communities of interest and the proposed plans. Finally, the consultant will evaluate proposed plans and input and develop four to five alternative proposals.
During February and March, 2012, an online Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping tool will be available that will allow residents to draw proposed boundary lines on a web-based program, see statistical data on the proposed boundaries and submit plans for review and analysis by the consultant. This mapping application also offers residents the opportunity to comment on submitted plans. For those without Internet access, the redistricting consultant will provide materials for hand-drawn proposals.
Phase 3: April through May 2012 – Alternative proposed plans will be presented to the City Council at a public meeting and public meetings will be conducted in each district for input. Upon completion of the public meetings, the consultant will prepare a summary report, including public comments.
Phase 4: June 2012 – The consultant will analyze input from the public and City Council and prepare a final proposed plan(s). The final plan will be presented to City Council at a public meeting and the City Council will adopt a redistricting plan.
Phase 5: Fall 2012 through January 2013 – The approved plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for Voting Rights Act (Section 5) pre-clearance. Once pre-cleared by the Department of Justice, the new districts will become effective and used for the regular Council Election in August 2013.
For additional information regarding the redistricting process or public meetings, call 602-256-4357 or email redistricting@phoenix.gov.
Redistricting Presentation
The video below provides an overview of the city's redistricting process. It was played at each of the public meetings held during February.
