In February, the City of Missouri City announced plans to redraw the four City Council districts. The redrawing of districts was not proposed by the Council; it is required by law.
The City sought to provide information on the redistricting process and gather resident feedback. In an effort to achieve its objectives, the City posted redistricting information on the City of Missouri City website and held five virtual meetings, an in-person community meeting, and three public hearings on the subject. The City publicized these informational sessions on its social media outlets and electronic display boards, as well as through e-mail blasts, news releases, the biweekly MCTXPress Digital Newsletter, and the biweekly MCTV “In the News” broadcast. City Attorney E. Joyce Iyamu has also attended several homeowners’ association (HOA) meetings throughout the City.
The following list of frequently asked questions is presented in hopes that residents and other stakeholders find it helpful in explaining the process.
What is redistricting?
According to the Texas Comptroller’s website, redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries for voter representation.
Why is the City redistricting?
By law, the City must redraw its City Council districts at least once every 10 years. The purpose of redistricting is to have – to the degree possible – an equal number of people in each City district. Based on an initial assessment of the City’s boundaries, the City needs to redistrict.
What are the population numbers based on?
The population in each existing district or proposed district is determined by the 2020 United States Census data. The United States updates its census data once every 10 years.
What are the City’s criteria for redistricting?
The City Council adopted Resolution No. R-22-04, which utilizes legally acceptable principles, to create the 2022 redistricting map. Those principles included maintaining traditional neighborhoods, basing any revised plans on existing council districts, to the extent possible, providing for contiguous (connecting) territory, and configuring districts so that they are relatively equal in total population according to the 2020 federal census.
What is the maximum allowable difference in size between districts?
The maximum allowable difference between districts is 10 percent.
Did the City Council receive public input?
Yes. The City held five virtual meetings, four district virtual meetings, an in-person community meeting, and three public hearings at City Council meetings to receive input. Additionally, the City received more than 50 written comments by the March 28, 2022 deadline.
Where is my Council District under each Redistricting Plan?
Residents wanting to see the boundaries of their council district under each proposed redistricting plan can visit the City Website and click on the Redistricting banner at the top. There, you will also find the timeline for the redistricting process, as well as PowerPoint presentations, videos and other relevant documents.
Has the City Council voted on a Redistricting Plan?
Yes. The City Council voted to adopt Redistricting Map C Revised on April 4, 2022. The map will be considered again on Monday, May 2, 2022, at the City Council’s regular meeting.
I love where I live. Will redistricting change my neighborhood?
No, redistricting will not change your neighborhood. Redistricting will not change the physical location of your property, your zip code, nor your county.
For more updates, please visit the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).