Lincoln council adopts resolution backing fair representation, condemning gerrymandering

The City of Lincoln City Council on a unanimous vote adopted a resolution urging fair, transparent congressional and legislative districting and condemning partisan gerrymandering.

City staff said the resolution responds to proposed state legislation placed on the November ballot as Proposition 50, which would allow the Legislature to redraw congressional maps and temporarily bypass the voter‑appointed Citizens Redistricting Commission. City staff reported that some residents and organizations opposed the measure and that the council had received both supportive and critical public comment.

Councilmembers debated the scope and language of the draft resolution. Some members said the action was a legitimate defense of Lincoln residents’ local advocacy capacity — noting that being split among multiple congressional districts could weaken the city’s ability to secure funding for projects such as Highway 65 improvements. Other members and some public speakers urged caution, arguing the council should avoid taking positions on state ballot measures and that individual councilmembers should register personal stances rather than using city resources for political advocacy.

After public comment from residents on both sides, the council amended draft language to consolidate the statement and remove an earlier reference to a specific organization. The final resolution ‘‘condemns gerrymandering in all its forms’’ and calls for transparent district boundaries that do not dilute or divide Lincoln voters. The council adopted the amended resolution by roll-call vote with all members voting yes.