Daytona Beach commission repeals 2023 redistricting ordinance, plans new map before 2026 election

The Daytona Beach City Commission voted unanimously Jan. 8 to repeal Ordinance 2023-268, the ordinance that established the city's current commission district boundaries, and directed staff to begin work on a new redistricting plan to be adopted before the regular municipal election in 2026.

The repeal drew a public comment from John Nicholson, who said residents should not be left using outdated district boundaries for a long period and questioned the timetable for hiring a new consultant to redraw districts. "If we don't change it for 2 more years 2026, it'll be 17 years," Nicholson said, arguing for more timely redistricting.

Assistant City Attorney David Russell told commissioners the next steps if the repeal is accepted would include filing a motion with the court to dismiss the pending lawsuit as moot and then bringing an item to the commission to hire a new consultant to prepare the replacement plan. Russell said the city must complete a new plan before the next general election and that the city would likely need to rely on 2020 U.S. Census data for population and demographic specifics, though consultants could advise on alternatives and related legal compliance such as Voting Rights Act considerations.

The repeal was presented on second reading as an ordinance repealing Ordinance 2023-268 and related charter language, and commissioners voted to approve the repeal 7-0. The commission did not identify a mover or seconder on the record; the clerk recorded the tally as 7-0 in favor.

Commission discussion and public comments raised timing and data questions. Commissioner questions on whether redistricting must use the 2020 census were answered by Russell, who said the census is typically used because it provides the necessary demographic specificity required for legal compliance, though consultants could explore other sources at the commission's direction.

Next steps spelled out by staff include bringing a contract for a new consultant to the commission for approval and returning with a schedule to complete a replacement plan in time for the 2026 election. The commission did not adopt a new map at the Jan. 8 meeting.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance repeal (Item 9A) : Approved, 7-0.

The repeal allows the city to restart the districting process and to return with a consultant recommendation and timetable for completing a new plan before the 2026 municipal election.