TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Linda A. Nemeroff, District Secretary
SUBJECT: Public Hearing
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Hold a Public Hearing to receive public comment on the final draft Redistricting Plan to redraw the ward boundaries of the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
There is no strategic importance associated with this report.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
All activities associated with the Redistricting Project were included in the FY 2021-22 budget.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
In September 2021, the Board received its first report on the redistricting timeline and process. The Board also adopted Resolution No. 21-033 establishing the criteria that would be used to adjust the boundaries of the five wards as provided in Elections Code section 22000. Since then, the Board has received numerous updates, including reports on how the current ward boundaries align with the 2020 Census data, the multi-lingual Public Outreach Plan, and two initial redistricting plans which were introduced at the December 8, 2021, Board meeting.
In addition, virtual public workshops were held on January 19 (San Leandro), January 20 (Hayward), January 24 (Berkeley) and January 27 (Oakland) to provide information to the public about the redistricting process and criteria. An overview of the draft redistricting plans was also presented. Additionally, staff demonstrated the use of a free, open-source public mapping tool that could be used by members of the public to submit their own boundary proposals and related data as well community of interest maps. Workshops were held in the evening with the goal of improving public participation and interpreters were available to assist non-English speaking participants. Various members of the Board attended the workshops at different times. A Community of Interest Survey was also available to the public from December 15th to February 9th.
On February 9, 2022, the Board of Directors set public hearings on March 9, 2022 and March 23, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. for consideration of a final redistricting plan. The Board also received two additional Redistricting Plans derived from the public input received at the workshops held in January (Plans 3 and 3A). Plan 3 incorporated the Plan 1 proposals for Berkeley, San Leandro and Hayward but with the proposal for Oakland outlined in Plan 2. Plan 3A was based on Plan 3, but included the new boundary configuration for Oakland presented at the workshop on January 27th. On February 23, 2022, the Board received the Final Report on the Redistricting Project, which contained, among other things, a summary of all the public input and outreach activities undertaken by staff to bring forth a final draft Redistricting Plan. As a result, the Board selected Plan 3A for further consideration at the public hearings.
Legal notice of this hearing was given in accordance with Board Policy 110 (Public Hearing Policy), including the El Mundo and Sing Tao Daily newspapers. In addition, information was made available on the District’s website, was posted on buses throughout the District and was also distributed via social media and eNews.
Staff is recommending that the Board approve Plan 3A and will bring forth the required resolution for adoption at the March 23, 2022 Public Hearing. Staff believes Plan 3A achieves a balance in the population of the five wards to the extent practicable while minimizing the division of communities of interest. Plan 3A is also contiguous; preserves and, in some areas, improves compactness; makes the boundaries easier to understand in the areas of change; and maintains the integrity of cities and unincorporated areas to the extent practicable. Plan 3A and its associated population summary are provided in Attachment 3 to the staff report.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
This report does not request an action with notable advantages or disadvantages as the requirement to reapportion the District’s five wards is a mandated by law.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
There is no alternatives analysis associated with this report.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Resolution No. 21-033
Staff Reports 21-029, 21-029a, 21-029b, 21-029c, 21-029d, 21-029e
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Plan 3A
2. Public Hearing Notice
3. Presentation
Prepared by:
Linda A. Nemeroff, District Secretary
In Collaboration with:
Jelena Harada, Assistant District Secretary
Huaqi Yuan, Planning Data Administrator
Approved/Reviewed by:
Linda A. Nemeroff, District Secretary
Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel