Fort Worth Redistricting Task Force chooses 7 maps to move forward; will hold public hearing Jan. 13

Last week, Fort Worth’s Redistricting Task Force selected seven maps to move forward for further consideration as the city inches closer to expanding from its current eight-district map to a 10-district map, according to a release from the city.

The task force is ultimately working to choose a single map to bring before Fort Worth City Council. The seven maps can be found here.

A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 13 in Fort Worth’s City Council Chambers at City Hall, during which members of the public are invited to weigh in on the seven maps and the task force. Speakers may appear in person or by phone, and they also have the option to submit comments via email. To be heard as a speaker, residents should contact the city secretary’s office at 817-392-6156 or [email protected] by 4 p.m. Jan. 13.

The release also encouraged the creators of the seven maps to attend and discuss the proposed maps.

According to criteria posted to the city of Fort Worth’s website, the task force is considering criteria sorted into high- and low-priority categories.

High priorities include a map having equally sized districts, where the largest district is less than or equal to 10% more than the smallest; compliance with federal and state law related to voting rights; to create minority opportunity districts in compliance with federal law and to reflect the diversity of the city; to contain communities of interest within single districts; and districts that have contiguous territories.

In addition to the Jan. 13 meeting, 10 meetings are scheduled between Jan. 24 and March 29, according to the city’s website. As outlined, the task force will select a proposed map Jan. 24, present that map to City Council on Feb. 1 and City Council is aiming adopt a final map March 29.