Tighter schedule for new ward maps may jeopardize public input
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Cleveland City Council's redistricting schedule just got a little tighter.
State of play: The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has alerted council president Blaine Griffin that it needs new ward maps by early January to finalize voting precincts before a newly announced statewide election in May.
Why it matters: The accelerated timeline means council may have to introduce and pass legislation approving new maps on a single day, Jan. 6, which would virtually eliminate time for public feedback.
Catch up quick: Cleveland voters passed a charter amendment in 2008 tying the number of wards to the city's overall population — roughly 25,000 residents per ward.
- Based on the 2020 census, council must shed two seats, from 17 to 15.
Between the lines: Griffin and consultants from Triad Research Group thought they'd have until April 1 to finalize new maps, the deadline set in the city charter.
Yes, but: When redistricting began, Griffin said he expected drafts of new ward maps to be available by mid-fall and a council vote by the end of 2024.
- During resident engagement sessions last month, Griffin adjusted that timeline and hoped to have maps finalized by January to give potential candidates time to mount campaigns.
- All 17 council seats will be up for election in 2025.
Friction point: It's no longer clear that the public will have an opportunity to comment on proposed maps, though Griffin assured Cleveland.com the public would at least be able to see the maps before a vote.
- We sought comment Monday from Griffin but did not hear back.