Redistricting in Los Angeles

by Maria S. Salinas

The redistricting process, which occurs after every census count is completed, allows states, counties, and cities to rebalance districts, ensuring there is fair representation in elected offices. It has a profound impact at every level of government as voters elect their representatives based on these district lines. It is an important process which, unless done independently and transparently, has the risk of creating gerrymandered districts.

In the City of Los Angeles, the Redistricting Commission, an advisory commission, provided its recommendations for newly drawn district maps. Their ultimate approval is up to the City Council.

The Redistricting Commission, comprised of civic leaders who are representatives of the City of Los Angeles, spent countless hours reviewing census data and conducting community hearings to compose the new districts. Yet, this week, the Los Angeles City Council took the first step toward reworking a new map, with council members submitting 38 new district map proposals of their own. The motions can be found here. 

These motions illustrate a flawed process which undermines the collective work of the individuals who took the time and effort to be transparent, inclusive, and forward thinking in their approach.

We must ensure the electoral maps of the City of Los Angeles come from a fair, transparent process independent of political influence, which was already underway with the Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission. The L.A. City Council must recognize that fact.

The Chamber signed onto a letter with dozens of civic organizations and community leaders calling for the Los Angeles City Council to accept the maps as the redistricting commission has drawn them.