Review Potential Map Amendments to City's Ward Map Following Completion of Minnesota Redistricting Process

On February 21, 2011, the Court-appointed Special Redistricting Panel released redistricting maps for congressional and legislative districts. The City is now required to review those maps and make adjustments to its Ward and Precinct boundaries as needed based on population changes. Redistricting is a process that occurs every ten (10) years following completion of the US Census.

No notification required at this time. If any changes are proposed to Ward or Precinct boundaries, the City shall be required to post three (3) weeks of public notice. New polling location information would also be mailed out to affected residents.

The City is divided into four (4) wards, with each ward having a total of two (2) precincts. According to State Statute, each Ward shall have a balanced population with other Wards in the community. A general tentative time line for redistricting is as follows:


Based on the 2010 Census, the current population of each Ward in Ramsey are as follows:


In order to balance Ward populations, a potential Ward Map is attached for your review. The proposed populations for each Ward are as follows (with percentage from mean/average population per Ward):
For Census and redistricting purposes, the City is divided into smaller geographic areas known as Census Blocks that are used to summarize population and act as boundary lines for districts and wards. Based on City Council discussion at the December 6, 2011 Work Session, Staff has prepared this potential Ward Map that balances population with minimal geographic change and follows major transportation corridors. The revised Ward boundaries may also require shifts in polling locations (same sites to be used-potential for use by different precinct). Staff anticipates bringing forward the resolution establishing the polling places on May 8, 2012, for Council approval. The revised State Legislative Boundaries also include a shift in the State House boundary, now partially located within Ramsey. Staff proposes revising precinct boundaries within Ward 1 to utilize the new legislative boundary for ease of election administration (one [1] Minnesota House Representative per Precinct).

Staff has also prepared a series of maps to illustrate impacts of the proposed revised Ward boundaries as well as show the Minnesota Senate and House District Boundaries for reference. Furthermore, Staff has prepared a map that depicts school district boundaries for discussion if further revisions to Precinct boundaries within Ward 2 are desire to attempt to match the school district boundaries.

Ramsey has until April 3, 2012 to provide updated Ward and Precinct data to Anoka County. This time line also requires three (3) Public Hearing notifications.

Staff recommends that the City Council comment on the draft Ward Map and direct Staff to prepare the necessary Public Hearings for the Ward Map Amendment.

Preparation and review of maps is being handled as part of regular Staff duties.

Motion to accept the draft Ward Map and direct Staff to prepare the necessary Public Hearings for the Ward Map Amendment.