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Council approves new City Council district map after heated public hearing; 4–3 vote
Summary
After extended public comment and legal debate, the Alexandria City Council approved ordinances to redraw council district boundaries, voting 4–3 to adopt the new map. Opponents said the change lacked transparency and may prompt legal challenges.
The Alexandria City Council on Dec. 2 approved ordinances to amend and reenact City Council district boundaries after a public hearing that drew multiple residents voicing objections.
The council opened the hearing on an ordinance to amend chapters of the city code describing council districts. Dozens of residents and local advocates urged greater transparency and said the redrawing moved hundreds of constituents between districts without adequate notice. “You moved people out of their district for 1 person,” a public commenter said during the hearing, urging the council to consider how the changes would affect neighbors and turnout.
Supporters on the dais argued the council has discretion under the charter to revise district boundaries. Council members who backed the measure said reversing the earlier map change would correct what they described as a prior mistake. “I put this item back on the agenda because it was a wrong and I wanted to make it a right,” a council member said during debate.
The vote was taken by roll call. The council recorded four votes in favor and three opposed; the chair announced the motion carried. The official roll-call exchange in the record lists several members individually casting yes or no votes; the clerk confirmed the motion passed.
Why it matters: Redistricting changes where residents vote for city council and can alter neighborhood representation across Alexandria. Several residents told the council they will consider legal action, and one speaker referenced past litigation on the subject. Council members and citizens cited the city charter and state procedures repeatedly during debate.
Next steps: The clerk’s office indicated required notifications and filings with parish election officials have been received; the record shows the Rapides Parish Registrar of Voters provided a certificate consistent with state statute language permitting an election under the newly adopted plan. Residents and advocacy groups said they will review the adopted map and consider next steps.
The council moved on to other business after the vote.
