Oakland, CA — Oakland’s inaugural, community-led Redistricting Commission released four draft district maps for public consideration. The maps were created following the release of the 2020 U.S. Census and reallocation of state prisoner population data.
The Commission will receive public testimony on the draft district maps on the following dates (all times at 6:00 pm):
- Wednesday, December 8, 2021 (anticipated map adoption, subject to change)
The Redistricting Commission also launched an online mapping tool for the public to submit their own new district boundary proposals. Commissioners received training on the mapping software at their September 8, 2021 meeting; a recording of the training can be accessed on the City’s website. The online mapping tool allows the public to submit their own district map proposals or draw their communities of interest. The public can also view any map proposals submitted to the Commission through the online mapping tool.
“This is the first time in Oakland's history that community-led redistricting is taking place, so community outreach and input is critical to make sure all Oaklanders are represented,” Commission Chair Lilibeth Gangas said. “These draft district maps are intended to start the conversation on what the new boundaries can look like in Oakland.
“Commissioners want to hear feedback from the community as we work toward collectively creating and finalizing the new district boundaries. We encourage the public to carefully review the draft maps, submit their own proposals using the online tool and attend our upcoming meetings. It is especially critical to have the most vulnerable residents be part of the process, as redistricting dictates the next decade of funding allocation, voting power, and overall representation across the city. This will set the future of Oakland for at least the next decade."
The Oakland Redistricting Commission is responsible for approving the final map for new City Council and School Board of Directors district boundaries. Commissioners have a December 31, 2021 deadline to complete their work.
To stay informed of Oakland’s redistricting process, visit: www.oaklandca.gov/redistricting and select the ‘Provide Input’ icon at the top of the page.