January 22, 2021

The Applications are in, Council Residential Districting Commission Moves Forward

Over 120 Residents Apply to Serve on the Districting Commission to Draw Residential Maps Creating Council Districts

[COLUMBUS-OH] Columbus City Council received 123 applications to serve on the Council Residential Districting Commission (CRDC).  In 2018, Columbus residents passed a charter amendment to enhance neighborhood advocacy and amplify community voices inside City Hall. The vote added two Council seats to bring the total number to nine while establishing residential districts for each seat. The members of the CRDC will draw the residency maps to be used by Council beginning with the 2023 elections.

“I am grateful to the diverse group of residents, from all parts of the city, who want to serve our City in this capacity,” said Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy. “The creation of the Council Residential Districting Commission is another step forward to enhance neighborhood advocacy and amplify the voice of the community in the legislative process.”

The application process closed on January 21, 2021.

“This is an opportunity to ensure geographic diversity on Council and unify our neighborhoods,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “The CRDC will lay the foundation for the future of the City’s legislature.”

In accordance with the Charter requirements, the CRDC will consist of five members; four will be appointed by Council. The Mayor and Council President will select the final member who will also serve as commission chair. A shortlist of candidates to move on to the next phase of the application process will be selected by February 5, 2021.

The candidates will be invited to a public hearing scheduled for February 10, 2021, and given the opportunity to provide a three-minute synopsis on why they wish to serve on the commission. The commission members will be seated no later than March 1, 2021, to begin drawing the maps.

The recommendations made by the CRDC will require a vote of Council. However, Council cannot make any changes to the maps except as necessary to ensure compliance with the Charter.

The applicants’ names are listed below in the order the applications were received.

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