Assembly Bill 764 Requires Increased Redistricting Outreach Starting in 2024
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 764, which implements reforms to the local redistricting process – including several new outreach requirements to enhance transparency and public participation.
Here are a few of the biggest outreach changes outlined in AB 764 and what they mean to you:
Public Education and Outreach Plan
Local jurisdictions will be required to formally adopt a redistricting public education and outreach plan. In developing the draft plan, the local jurisdiction must make a good faith effort to consult with community organizations such as language minority groups.
The draft version of the plan must be posted online for a 14-day review and comment period before being adopted, and the plan must be adopted no later than four weeks before the first hearing or workshop.
AB 764 states that the plan must include: a description of how resources will be allocated to educate and inform residents; specific methods for disseminating information, such as through media, direct contact, and community events; strategies to inform local organizations, especially those in language minority communities; coordination with other local jurisdictions in the same county that are undergoing redistricting; and the number and anticipated dates of workshops and public hearings.
With this new requirement for a formalized plan to be adopted within a set timeline, jurisdictions will need to engage outreach experts at least a few months prior to the start of a redistricting process.
Workshops
The bill requires that local jurisdictions going through redistricting must conduct at least one workshop before adopting new election district boundaries. (The requirement does not apply to those transitioning from at-large to by-district elections.) At least one workshop must be held before the redistricting body develops draft maps, for the purpose of gathering input from the public on neighborhoods, communities of interest, and election districts. AB 764 specifically defines workshops as standalone meetings conducted by staff, consultants, or fewer than a majority of the members of the districting body.
With at least one workshop required by AB 764, jurisdictions will need to schedule, plan and implement standalone public meetings to gather community input on redrawing election district boundaries.
Requirements for Educational Districts and Special Districts
AB 764 expands the applicability of provisions of the FAIR MAPS Act to additional types of districts including educational districts and special districts. Chapter 2 of the bill, the Fair And Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political Subdivisions (FAIR MAPS) Act of 2023, defines the term “election district” as applicable to county supervisorial districts, county board of education trustee areas, city council districts, school district trustee areas, community college district trustee areas, and special district governing board divisions.
With specific requirements now in effect for a more broadly defined group of local jurisdictions, educational districts and special districts must now hold a set number of hearings and at least one workshop when redistricting.
Conclusion
The criteria outlined above generally apply to election district boundaries that are adopted or readopted on or after January 1, 2024. Election district boundaries adopted before January 1, 2024, must comply with the applicable district criteria in effect at the time of their adoption.
The Legislature has made it clear that community engagement is a critical part of district formation and redistricting work and the demands on time and pitfalls agencies face in this new landscape are increasing.
Whether you are considering a districting or redistricting process now or sometime after January 1, 2024, know that Tripepi Smith is available to assist with any of your districting/redistricting outreach needs. We have extensive experience in over sixty agencies with launching districting websites, managing districting social media, producing creative elements ranging from flyers to animated videos, planning and executing public forums and conducting targeted outreach to community-based organizations. To learn more and get in touch with our team, visit www.tripepismith.com/services/districting.