Fort Worth City Council adopts redistricting map

The Fort Worth City Council unanimously approved a redistricting map March 29. The vote was the final step in a process to increase the size of the council from nine to 11 members, which includes Mayor Mattie Parker.

The new map, nicknamed "Anna" by the council, will first be implemented in conjunction with the May 2023 municipal elections, adding the two new council seats.

The redistricting process dates back to 2016, when Fort Worth voters approved an amendment to the city charter to increase the number of council members.

In August 2020, the council appointed a redistricting task force charged with "evaluating the criteria and procedures by which the City Council has redrawn council district boundaries in the past, and, advising the City Council about redistricting criteria and procedures that the City Council should use in the future," according to the city's website.

In March 2021, the redistricting task force presented 10 criteria for redistricting. Proposed redistricting plans submitted by residents were analyzed and presented to the City Council. Transparency was encouraged by the redistricting task force, which required all map drawing to occur at public meetings.

The Fort Worth City Council adopted a final map on March 23, and it was officially approved at the City Council meeting March 29 with a 9-0 vote.