February 16, 2011

The City of Houston Charter requires that the City Council expand to eleven single-member districts at such point that census data demonstrates that the City’s population exceeds 2.1 million residents. With the much anticipated release of the 2010 US Census, we will begin the process of redistricting in order to add those Districts. The City is interested in hearing from you and your neighborhood regarding your suggestions for the configuration of the new council districts.

Click here for a link to the City of Houston’s web page detailing information regarding the redistricting process. Please check back frequently, as it will be updated as new information becomes available.

Comments and Opinions:
There are several points at which you may submit information for the process:

• Through email, US postal service, or delivery. All comments should be directed to Margaret Wallace, City of Houston Planning & Development Department, 611 Walker, 6th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, margaret.wallace@houstontx.gov.
• At any of the ten town hall meetings scheduled across the Houston community during the month of March. While each meeting location was chosen and is sponsored by the respective Council Member, the meetings will address redistricting on a city-wide basis. Individuals may attend and comment at any convenient meeting, regardless of its location. A calendar with locations and public transportation routes can be found here.
• At any of the three public hearings that will be held in City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 901 Bagby Street. These are scheduled for Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Submitting Plans:
City of Houston Resolution No. 2011-1, passed by City Council on January 12, 2011, (available here) sets forth the procedures, criteria and rules for the consideration and establishment of council member district boundaries. Should you or your neighborhood want to submit a redistricting plan for Council’s consideration, it must conform to Section 4 of this Resolution.
A computer kiosk will be set up in our offices for members of the community wishing to develop and submit their own plan. The kiosk will be located on the 6th floor of 611 Walker Street, 77002, and will be available by appointment for anyone to use. You may contact Margaret Wallace (713-837-7826 or margaret.wallace@houstontx.gov) to schedule a time.
All plans should be submitted to Ms. Wallace’s attention (City of Houston Planning & Development Department, 611 Walker, 6th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, margaret.wallace@houstontx.gov) no later than 4:15 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2011.

We look forward to working with you on this historically significant activity. You will find all available information on our website at http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/2011/index.html. Do not hesitate to call us if you have any additional questions.