Hyattsville Ward Redistricting 2022
The City of Hyattsville undergoes redistricting of its five Wards every 10 years following the taking of the U.S. Census. This effort ensures an equitable population distribution amongst the Wards for equal representation on the City Council. The Wards cannot have a population distribution of greater or less than 10% from smallest to largest Ward.
Following the 2020 Census, it was determined that Wards 3 and 5 were no longer compliant with the +/- 10% population distribution. City Council selected a nine member Redistricting Commission to evaluate current Census data and make recommendations for new Ward boundaries.
Using public input gathered at community events, Public Hearings, and this platform, the Redistricting Commission developed several Ward maps for City Council's review.
In addition to the public input, the factors considered when drafting the maps included:
- natural and physical boundaries, like geographic features and major roadways;
- population density;
- available demographic data from the 2020 Census (race & ethnicity);
- communities of interest, like home-owners associations or other affiliated interest groups;
- new housing units currently under construction.
At the December 19, 2022 City Council meeting, Council voted to adopt new Ward map boundaries and amend the City Charter. The updated map will go into effect on February 7, 2023.
Phases
Review of Proposed Maps & Public Hearing
THIS PHASE OF THE PROJECT IS NOW CLOSED
At the September 19 City Council Meeting, the Redistricting Commission presented two proposed Ward boundary maps based on their research and public feedback they received. The two proposed maps "Minimal Adjustments" and "Growth Conscious" are displayed below.
To view the differences between the two maps, use the map layers button in the lower right hand side of the map.
- The Minimal Adjustments Map makes as few changes to the existing Ward boundaries as possible, while still bringing all Wards into compliance with the City's redistricting standard of no more than 10% +/- of the City's population divided equally. Because there are many developments planned across the City in the next 10 years, the Commission notes that this map will soon be outdated, and will require a more significant redistricting effort in 2030.
- The Growth Conscious Map makes allowances for current and future development, making more significant Ward boundaries changes now.
Community members can weigh in on these two map options below until the end of the day on October 24, 2022. The City will also hold a Public Hearing on October 17 at 6PM for residents to provide feedback to City Council.
For more information about the maps and the process used to develop them, you can read the full Redistricting Commission Report shared with City Council, and review their September 19 slide presentation.