City of Merced Redistricting Process
Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. Assembly Bill 849 (2019) requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach, including to non-English-speaking communities.
Districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each city councilmember represents about the same number of constituents. In Merced, the City Council is responsible for adopting council districts.
Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which is expected to be released in late September of 2021. For the City of Merced, the redistricting process must be completed by April 17, 2022.
Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a councilmember. The City Council has decided to move forward in forming a Redistricting Advisory Committee, which is made up of members of the public, to provide input in selecting the next district map for our council districts. You have an opportunity to share how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.
- City's 2016 Council Districts here.
- City's current Council Districts here.
- Council Member District Map and contact information here.
To the extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria:
- geographically contiguous districts (each city council district should share a common border with the next),
- the geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division,
- geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division,
- easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.),
- lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness. In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.
City Council will reach out to local media to publicize the redistricting process. Also, the City will make a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds about the redistricting process. Our public hearings and workshops will be provided in applicable languages for residents who submit a request in advance of the hearing.
Contact City Clerk's Office
Please send any questions you may have, or any map suggestion(s) you wish to make to cityclerk@cityofmerced.org; or contact the City of Merced Clerk’s office by phone (209) 388-8650.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact the City of Merced with questions about redistricting?
Please send any questions you may have, or any map suggestion(s) you wish to make to cityclerk@cityofmerced.org; or contact the City of Merced Clerk’s office by phone (209) 388-8650.
What Council District do I live in?
Find My Council Member
Where can I find the current City of Merced district maps?
You can find a map of the City’s current council districts here.
Can redistricting maps be submitted with greater or less than six districts?
No. The City Charter requires six City Council Districts. A voter-approved Charter amendment would be required to change the number of districts.
Will redistricting affect me financially?
Redistricting will not directly affect anyone financially. Redistricting is important to ensure the City Council reflects the City’s diverse population and geography. The City Council Districts can shape a community’s ability to elect the representative of their choice.
How can I submit public comment to the Redistricting Advisory Committee?
Comments can be submitted in person at the meetings (see dates in the Schedule tab above), by sending an email to cityclerk@cityofmerced.org, or by calling 209-388-8688 and leaving a voicemail.
When will I be able to submit a map?
The mapping tools are now available and located at Draw Map tab above. The 2020 Census data is required to ensure balanced population numbers in each district.
Is the City of Merced required to redistrict?
According to the Fair Maps Act, the bill requires the governing body of each local jurisdiction to adopt new boundaries after each federal decennial census. (AB 849)
Sign up to Receive Redistricting Updates
Receive ongoing updates regarding the City of Merced's redistricting efforts and to learn about opportunities to participate in the redistricting process. Simply click the "Redistricting" topic in the available topics selection in Subscribe Merced.
Click here to sign up now!
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