The city of Fort Worth took one step closer to making a decision on its redistricting effort.
Fort Worth City Council discussed proposed redistricting maps at a special session March 1. In 2016, Fort Worth voters approved an amendment to the city charter to increase the number of City Council members from nine to 11, following the 2020 census. This includes 10 council members and the mayor, who represents the entire city.
Council members spoke about the importance of giving fair representation to Fort Worth citizens but acknowledged that it will be impossible to please everybody when drawing district lines.
“We’re not going to make everyone in the north happy. We’re not going to make everyone in the south happy, but we have to make some decisions,” District 5 Council Member Gyna Bivens said.
The Fort Worth Redistricting Task Force narrowed down 26 potential new City Council district maps to one on Feb. 1 and recommended it for adoption in March.
Mayor Mattie Parker said that although no vote would be taken at the March 1 meeting, the council was working toward building consensus and will meet for public comments at 6 p.m. at the council chambers March 22. The council will then meet at its regular session March 29, when council members hope to make a final decision regarding redistricting. The decision, however, can be deferred if more time is needed.
