Columbus City Council has announced it has opened applications for the Council Residential Districting Commission. The members of this commission will draw the residential district maps of council.
“Creation of the Council Residential Districting Commission represents the first step in accommodating our city’s future of more growth, more inclusion, and greater representation for the Columbus community,” said Councilmember Emmanuel Remy.
The application to serve on the commission is now open here. Residents must use the online application and applicants may, but are not required to, submit a resume. Submissions must be received by noon on Friday, Jan. 21, 2021. Candidates can also download and email the completed application to [email protected].
Council will not review applications from Columbus residents who are elected officials (except precinct committee members) or current candidates for elected office, City of Columbus employees, or lobbyists registered with the City of Columbus. Submissions are considered public records once accepted.
In accordance with the Charter requirements, the CRDC will consist of five members, four of whom will be appointed by city council through an application process. The mayor and council president will select the final member who will serve as commission chair. The commission members will be selected sometime in February and will be seated no later than March 1, 2021.
“Serving on the Council Residential Districting Commission is an opportunity to ensure geographic diversity on Council while maintaining neighborhood cohesion,” said Council President Shannon Hardin. “We need smart, passionate neighborhood advocates on this commission to help set the foundation for the future of the city’s legislature.”
The recommendations made by the CRDC will require a vote by city council. However, council cannot make any changes to the maps except as necessary to ensure compliance with the Charter.