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Cloverdale Holds First Public Hearing on Move to District-Based Elections
Summary
City staff and a contracted demographer outlined a five‑hearing process to transition Cloverdale from at‑large council elections to district-based voting, citing the California Voting Rights Act and a claim filed by the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project. The council will decide whether to create 4 districts with a directly elected mayor or 5 districts at a later hearing.
The Cloverdale City Council held the first of a five‑part public hearing process on July 22 to gather input on transitioning from at‑large council elections to district-based elections.
City staff explained that the change follows a resolution of intent adopted in June and a claim related to the California Voting Rights Act. The presentation described legal criteria for district lines—approximately equal population (no district difference greater than 10 percent), contiguity, and respect for communities of interest—and noted the city has retained National Demographics Corporation (NDC) to assist with mapping and outreach.
Justin Levitt of NDC (speaker 15) joined the meeting remotely and explained the firm’s role in helping publish draft maps and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. City staff said draft maps and an online mapping tool will be posted prior to the council’s third public hearing so residents can submit maps and comments.
Council members asked procedural questions about how the transition will affect seats up for election in 2026 and 2028, whether to establish a directly elected mayor (which would produce four districts instead of five) and the sequencing of which districts will be on the ballot in 2028 and 2030. Staff said no final decision is required tonight about a directly elected mayor but the council will be asked for direction at the second hearing to allow accurate map drawing.
Members of the public asked about the claim’s origin; staff identified the law firm Shankman & Hughes and the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project as the claimant. The city encouraged residents to use the online tools and attend subsequent hearings to participate in map creation and to submit written comments.
