FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5th, 2022

THE NYC DISTRICTING COMMISSION IS INITIATING A MULTI-PRONGED PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT CAMPAIGN TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL INPUT ON THE SHAPE OF THE NEW CITY COUNCIL MAPS

There was such a tremendous response from the public at the Commission’s first hearing that it is moving its deadlines so that additional public hearings can be held in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island this summer.

Sunday, June 5th – Advocates and individuals have taken such an interest in the new City Council plan being drawn by the NYC Districting Commission that it will discuss a revised calendar for the districting process and an expanded slate of public hearings at its scheduled meeting at six p.m., on June 6^th, at La Guardia Community College, at 31-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City, Queens.

                Nearly 200 people testified in-person, by email and Zoom at the Districting Commission’s first public hearing held at Pace University, in lower Manhattan, the evening of May 26^th.

                “Last week’s public hearing provided valuable insight into the concerns of many organizations and residents in the City’s districting process,” said Commission Chair Dennis Walcott. “Staff analyzed the testimony received and after further consultation with Corporation Counsel regarding the Commission’s current timeline, we believe that it is in the best interest of the Commission’s mission to provide more opportunities for the public in all five boroughs for input prior to the submission of the first set of proposed maps. The goal is to have these public hearings in June.”

                The Districting Commission was established by the City Charter to draw a council plan every ten years following the U.S. Census. This process ensures that council districts reflect population and demographic changes as required by the U.S. Constitution. It includes a review of all relevant laws and regulations.

                June 7^th was the initial deadline to release a first draft of proposed maps to the public. The calendar of public hearings and modified deadlines will be discussed at the commission’s June 6^th meeting at La Guardia College in Queens. There will be no publication of maps or vote on the submission of maps at this meeting.  The commission’s final deadline to file a new plan with the City Clerk is Feb. 7^th, 2023.

                “We appreciate the public’s flexibility and time as we are all working to achieve this incredibly important mission in a very limited window of time,” said Walcott.