BALTIMORE, MD (September 18, 2023) – Mayor Brandon M. Scott introduced a redistricting proposal at today’s City Council meeting, designed to ensure fair representation for Baltimore's diverse communities.
The proposed district map is informed by the 2020 census data and aims to address shifts in population and existing imbalances among the City Council districts. Mayor Scott emphasized the importance of the plan, stating, "The proposed map will rebalance our City Council Districts to ensure equal representation for city residents."
The redistricting process began with guidance from the Department of Law, which outlined the legal requirements necessary for the map's development. Following this, the Department of Planning analyzed census data that revealed significant disparities in population across the current council districts.
In crafting the new map, efforts were made to keep existing district boundaries intact wherever possible while adhering to legal population targets. Each district is designed to have a population close to the mean target of 41,836 residents, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
One notable aspect of the proposal is the inclusion of anchor institutions in every district. The adjustments also address population growth challenges in Districts 1 and 11, redistributing residents to maintain the integrity of councilmanic boundaries.
Significant changes include the return of the precinct that houses Johns Hopkins Bayview from District 1 to District 2, a move that both alleviates population density in District 1 and enhances District 2’s resources. Additionally, District 10 has regained a section of the South Baltimore peninsula to help balance the population in District 11.
Mayor Scott released the proposed map well ahead of the February 1, 2024, deadline to allow ample time for review and adjustments before the May 2024 primaries. The City Council will have 60 days to approve or amend the proposal before it is finalized.
Residents and community leaders are encouraged to review the proposed map to understand its implications for their neighborhoods.
Reported by HarborBeat based on Baltimore City (.gov) (source).
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