Commission directs consultant to revise redistricting map, continues ordinance to Sept. 17

Daytona Beach — The City Commission on Sept. 3 voted to continue a redistricting ordinance to the Sept. 17 meeting and directed consultant Spitzer and Associates to return with a revised map reflecting alternate 1b plus a beach-side boundary shift from Main Street to Harvey Avenue.

At issue was an ordinance to amend commission-district boundaries under the city charter and applicable state and federal rules. City Attorney counsel and the consultant described three closely related maps labeled Alternate 1, 1a and 1b; commissioners discussed differences and minority-voter implications. Consultant Tim Spitzer (Spitzer and Associates) said all three plans keep Zones 5 and 6 as majority-minority districts and create a minority-influence district in Zone 3; 1a and 1b move a small census block — cited at roughly 170 residents — back into Zone 5. Commissioners cited preservation of historic sites and community connections (for example, Bethune Point Park and the Cherry Center) as reasons to favor 1b.

Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis told the commission the effective date matters for voter notices and candidate residency deadlines and asked that the commission consider making the ordinance effective upon passage so her office would not have to send additional mailings related to a recent office move. The supervisor said delaying the effective date would avoid a second mailing; city staff estimated the additional mailing cost at about $100,000. The city attorney advised the commission that a delayed effective date can reduce litigation risks related to claims an ordinance was designed to favor or disfavor incumbents, but said the city could also choose immediate effect and accept other tradeoffs.

Why it matters: Redistricting affects which voters are in each commission district, when candidates become eligible to run in a district and how minority-voter strength is preserved in accordance with the Voting Rights Act and local legal requirements. Commissioners said preserving established community ties and historic neighborhood representation was a priority in selecting an alternative.

What the commission decided: By unanimous vote the commission continued the item to Sept. 17 at 6:00 p.m. with direction for the consultant to prepare the revised map (Alternate 1b plus moving the common boundary on the beach side from Main Street to Harvey Avenue) and a report that shows population impacts and any other adjustments required to keep districts within legal population deviation thresholds (commonly a 10% target). The consultant cautioned that moving the boundary could require minor concurrent adjustments elsewhere to remain within the allowable deviation.

Next steps: Spitzer and Associates will deliver the revised map, revised legal descriptions, a final report and a spreadsheet listing affected census blocks. The revised materials will be posted and displayed in the lobby before the Sept. 17 hearing. Commissioners will hold a second public hearing at that meeting and then may vote to adopt the ordinance.