The County of Los Angeles Boundary Review Committee today announced the launch of a new County website to involve residents in the Supervisorial Redistricting process taking place during 2011. By logging onto redistricting.lacounty.gov, residents can learn why it is important for them to be aware of and take part in the redistricting process.  The website features a variety of information and tools to help the public learn about and participate in the Supervisorial redistricting process.  The website includes background information on the redistricting process, timelines, as well as schedule of meetings, agendas, and minutes of the Boundary Review Committee, the body responsible for recommending a redistricting plan to the County Board of Supervisors.  Free redistricting software will be available in mid-April to allow the public to develop and submit redistricting plans for Boundary Review Committee consideration. 

“Our goal is to educate and empower County residents to become involved in this important redistricting process,” said Mayor Michael D. Antonovich.  “The website is user friendly, enabling all residents to access information and develop plans,  and anyone can sign up to receive email notifications of upcoming meetings, which include community meetings in each Supervisor’s district.”    

The first meeting of the newly appointed Boundary Review Committee (BRC) convened on March 2 to discuss process and procedural issues related to proposed implementation timelines, legal issues, public outreach efforts, and submittal and analysis of redistricting plans. 

The BRC is comprised of residents of the County who were nominated by the various Supervisors and appointed by the Board of Supervisors.  Based on the census figures, the county’s population must be substantially equalized among the five Supervisorial Districts.  This same process is undertaken for the state Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization.  This process is called “redistricting.”

 The BRC has been tasked to study any necessary changes to the boundaries of the supervisorial districts and will report to the Board of Supervisors its findings and recommended changes, if any.  It is expected that growth in the number of residents may require the boundaries of the Supervisorial Districts to be adjusted to accommodate population changes or shifts among people living in Los Angeles County.  One of the first tasks of the BRC is to examine, analyze and review the census data. 

 Community meetings and public hearings will be held to encourage public participation in the redistricting process, gather public input, and to answer any questions the public may have.