Independent Redistricting Commission
On November 8, 2016, Berkeley voters approved Measure W1, amending the City’s Charter to transfer responsibility for drawing electoral boundaries from the City Council to an Independent Redistricting Commission (the “Commission”). Composed of thirteen members with broad community representation, the Commission will act as an independent body to engage the public and adopt an updated map of City Council district boundaries.
The community will provide verbal and written input on the redistricting process, including submitting their own maps. The Charter also provides impasse procedures if a final map cannot be agreed upon. Read more about the Commission and the redistricting process in the City's Redistricting Plan linked below.
Citizens Redistricting Commission Plan (PDF)
Redistricting Trifold Brochure - English (PDF)
Redistricting Trifold Brochure - Spanish (PDF)
Application Process - Closed as of October 9, 2020
You can submit your application for the Independent Redistricting Commission beginning September 8, 2020. Check your eligibility for the Commission by downloading an eligibility worksheet (PDF). For questions, email the City Clerk Department at redistricting@cityofberkeley.info or call (510) 981-6900.
Independent Redistricting Commission Application (Fillable PDF) - the application period closed October 9, 2020
Independent Redistricting Commission Application (Online Application) - the application period closed October 9, 2020
Download the PDF application and save it to your computer to get started. To read PDF files, download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you need help using the PDF file with an Adobe Acrobat reader, please contact us at (510) 981-6908 or redistricting@cityofberkeley.info.
City of Berkeley Redistricting
Redistricting is redrawing or adjusting of electoral district boundaries to ensure districts are balanced with the same number of residents. Every 10 years, the City of Berkeley reviews its Council district boundaries to account for shifts and changes in the population. The redistricting process is based on the population figures provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. The next round of redistricting will occur after the 2020 Federal Census is completed.
