EVERETT, Wash., August 12, 2021 – The Snohomish County Districting Committee is hosting its second public meeting to provide in-person or live public comment on the process of redrawing council districts on Wednesday, August 18.
Every ten years boundaries for county council districts are updated to reflect how populations have changed based on the most recent U.S Census. The independent County Districting Committee has until Dec. 1 to approve a plan for new council districts. You can view the current district map on the Snohomish County website: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/906/Council-District-Maps.
During the August 18 meeting, attendees will hear a short presentation outlining an initial pre-census look at the current council districts. The meeting will include an opportunity for public comment where attendees can share information about their community that should be taken into consideration as the Districting Committee draws new districts.
| What: | Snohomish County Districting Committee Public Meeting |
| When: | 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 18 |
| Where: | Snohomish City Council Chambers Robert J. Drewel Building Eighth Floor 3000 Rockefeller Ave. Everett, WA 98201 Â |
| Virtual option: | Zoom link |
| Other details: | View map online for location of the Drewel Bldg. and parking |
Additional in-person public engagement and feedback opportunities will be scheduled throughout the redistricting process and will be announced on the committee’s website: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5773/Districting-Committee.
Public comment is not limited to the
public meetings. Written comments and feedback can be emailed to districting@snoco.org
and become part of the public record.
About redistricting
Under state law, the council districts created under the new plan shall:
- Be nearly equal in population
- Be as compact as possible
- Consist of geographically contiguous area
- Not use population data to favor or disfavor any racial group or political party
The plan should also, to the extent feasible:
- Draw boundaries that coincide with existing recognized natural boundaries; and
- Preserve existing communities of related and mutual interest.
The Districting Committee will be working with census data, experts and community feedback to assess the county’s population and communities of related interests and develop preliminary options for council districts by October. A final plan will be approved and submitted to the Snohomish County Council by Dec. 1.
The Districting Committee consists of five voting members. Four voting members, two from each major political party, were appointed by the Snohomish County Council and the fifth member was appointed by the committee to serve as chair. The chair of the redistricting committee is Kurt Hilt. The Democrat members of the redistricting committee are Hillary Moralez and Bill Phillips. The Republican members of the redistricting committee are Jim Langston and Sid Roberts.
For more information about Snohomish County’s redistricting process, public meetings, committee meetings and more, visit https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5773/Districting-Committee.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
