Easly City outlines process for redistricting based on 2020 census data

Easly City Council considered resolution 2025-04, which provides procedures for decennial redistricting following the release of 2020 census data. Staff said the item would trigger map updates, public hearings and ordinance readings required to adopt new ward boundaries.

A city staff member explained that redistricting was delayed after the 2020 census because of COVID-19 and election-year timing, and that the city has received a preliminary map. Staff said they would ask RFA to update the map after council passes the resolution, then schedule a public hearing and two ordinance readings to adopt the ward lines. “We've gotten the preliminary map,” the staff member said, and “once you pass the resolution, I'll have them update that map. And, then we'll have to have a hearing at that point, and then 2 readings of an ordinance to pass it, to adopt the new, ward lines.”

Council members asked whether RFA charges the city for the service and whether elected officials have input on where the lines are drawn. Staff replied that RFA provides the service to the city (there is no cost to Easly City) and that elected officials will have opportunities to review the map and make suggestions during the public hearing process; the goal, staff said, is to keep ward populations within 5% of one another.

Staff said the work must be completed in time for the county to publish GIS maps before candidate filing deadlines; the staff member said the city was told a May deadline by the county and that filing is typically in June or July. No formal vote occurred during the work session; staff will proceed with map updates and schedule the hearing and subsequent ordinance readings.

Ending

The resolution was read for consideration; council members and staff discussed timing and public input but did not take final action at the work session. Staff will coordinate with RFA and the county to meet the timeline for election filing.