Council Begins Redistricting Process

The redistricting process for the Atlanta City Council is under way, with Buckhead districts to be redrawn.

The Atlanta City Council was holding its first work session Thursday on the redistricting, done every 10 years based on U.S. Census results.

Proposed maps will be be available to the public beginning Friday at http://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/REDISTRICTING.htm and in the City Council Lobby, Suite 2900, Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. The web site includes a Power Point presentation and a video on the redistricting process.

The council will hold two public hearings on the redistricting, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, and Thursday, Nov. 17, in the council chamber on the second floor of City Hall.

Based on 2010 Census results, the city will seek "to maintain a balance of populations by creating 12 districts of 35,000 each," according to a city council news release.

The census showed existing Buckhead Council districts with larger populations than 35,000, so lines will need to be adjusted. For example, Buckhead's District 7, represented by Howard Shook, has a population of 43,772, according to an e-mail from the Buckhead Council of Neighboorhoods. Atlanta school board districts will also change as a result of the redistricting.

According to the city council news release, the proposed final ordinance altering the council districts will go to the full council for adoption Dec. 5. The city attorney will submit the legislation to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Georgia Secretary of State and Georgia State Legislative Reapportionment Office on Dec. 20. The Department of Justice is expected to respond by Feb. 18.

The next municipal election under the new districts won't be held until Nov. 5, 2013.