Public Comment Still Being Sought on County Redistricting Maps

The Inyo County Board of Supervisors is poised to make a final determination on redistricting next week, and reminds the public that feedback is still welcome and encouraged. On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, the Board, serving as the Inyo County Redistricting Commission, will hold its eighth and final public hearing regarding the 2021 redistricting process before voting to select a final map with new supervisorial district lines.
The hearing is set for 11:05 a.m. Since October, the Board has taken public comment on and discussed a series of draft district maps developed by staff or individuals from the community. The proposed maps are based on population numbers from the 2020 U.S. Census, which revealed a growing population in the north county area and a stagnant or falling population in the south county area. Supervisorial districts are supposed to be drawn in such a way that the population within each district is approximately equal, and the districts comply with various State and Federal laws. Thus, the Board was prompted to redraw the current district lines to more evenly divide the local population, stretching from Charleston View near the Nevada border in Southeast Inyo all the way to 40 Acres near the Mono County border in Northern Inyo. Up to a 10% population deviation between the districts is permissible. Eight sets of maps were considered and, after hearing considerable public comment, the Board narrowed the field by proposing to eliminate Option 1a, 1b, 1c, Option 2, and Option 8c maps at its December 7 meeting. Public sentiment so far has shown that residents would either prefer no changes – which is not possible – or the least amount of changes possible.

The public may participate in Tuesday’s meeting via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/868254781. The meeting may also be accessed by telephone at the following numbers: (669) 900-6833; (346) 248-7799; (253) 215-8782; (929) 205-6099; (301) 715-8592; (312) 626-6799. Webinar ID: 868 254 781.

Public comment is encouraged, either at the December 14 hearing (utilizing Zoom’s “hand-raising” feature) or via the County’s Redistricting page at https://www.inyocounty.us/redistricting-2021, where all proposed maps can be viewed.

News Staff