In December 2020 and July 2021, the La Verne City Council conducted two study sessions exploring the purpose and process of districting.
With several resident requests and nearby jurisdictions facing legal challenges on the basis of their election systems over the years, the La Verne City Council consulted with Doug Johnson, the President of the National Demographics Corporation, regarding the City’s election system options in December 2020.
At the July 2021 meeting, the Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 21-47 which, among other things, determined that it:
- Is in the best interest of the City to move from its current at-large electoral system to a by-district election for all five members of the City Council pursuant to California Government Code section 34886 and in furtherance of the purposes of California Voting Rights Act; and
- Begin by working with an experienced demographer to assist the City in establishing maps for a by-district electoral system.
While the City has not yet received any legal challenges to its election system, the Council determined it prudent to initiate the districting process to prevent any costly potential legal challenges and better understand its by-district election system options.
During the same July meeting, the City Council also directed City staff to engage National Demographics Corporation as its demographer to guide the City through the districting process.