Deschutes County receives DMACC—s Map C recommendation as commissioners promise public hearing

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 3 received the District Mapping Advisory Committee—s recommendation to place Map C before voters, alongside two procedural recommendations: use a random lot to number the districts and schedule any redistricting to follow the 2030 U.S. census if voters approve.

The recommendation came after a 10-week DMACC process and an evening listening session. DMACC chair Neil Bryant summarized the committee—s work, describing detailed precinct analysis and a focus on keeping communities of common interest intact. "We met 10 consecutive weeks," Bryant said, "and the committee put in the time and the effort to do the job that the criteria told them to follow." (Neil Bryant)

Supporters argued the plan reflects the statutory mapping criteria. "Map C groups precincts and communities in ways that preserve rural and urban communities of interest," DMACC member Matt Cyrus said. Proponents emphasized contiguity, precinct integrity and consideration of building-permit data when balancing districts.

But several DMACC members and community speakers urged greater caution. Carol Leshy, a League of Women Voters member on the committee, warned the mandate to draw five districts made certain political outcomes likely and said the public largely opposed dividing the county. "That mandate would ensure that Republicans would have the majority in the county even though they are in the minority of voters," Leshy said. She urged commissioners to reject dividing Deschutes County into five districts.

Melanie Keebler said the committee—s process felt rushed and that staff and the DMACC lacked the time and external support to build broader public trust. "This process was way too rushed," she said, urging the board to consider restarting or expanding outreach before placing a map on the ballot.

Members who backed Map C argued the committee followed the board—s instructions and state guidance: they used current registered-voter data because 2020 census figures are five years old and in some precincts undercount current registrations. "We followed the rules we were given," said DMACC member Ned Dempsey, who described his role as data reviewer.

The board did not vote on adopting Map C for the ballot at the meeting. Commissioners said they will set a public hearing to gather broader public testimony before making a referral decision; staff will circulate details by press release. The next procedural step is scheduling a public hearing so voters can hear the arguments and for the board to consider the DMACC—s recommendation and any legal or technical follow-ups.