COLUMBUS, Ind. — Proposed maps for Columbus City Council redistricting have been shared with the public, although it will be a few weeks before council members vote on the proposal and a little more than a year before the changes — including the creation of a new, sixth district — officially go into effect.
City officials held an open house on Monday to present proposed district maps for Columbus City Council, answer questions and get feedback from residents. About 15 people attended over the course of the two-hour session, with most indicating they approved of the proposal.
The plan is for the district maps to be on the council’s Sept. 20 meeting as a discussion item, said city officials. The council would then have its first vote on the maps on Oct. 4, followed by a second vote on Oct. 18. Community members are welcome to contact council members with their feedback and are also able to comment at council meetings.
City council district changes, once approved, would go into effect starting in 2024.
All cities are required to review council district boundaries this year in consideration of the 2020 census. Additionally, the creation of a new, sixth district, is included in this proposal, since the council recently voted to adopt “second class” status for the city of Columbus, which will also go into effect in 2024. The transition entails a number of changes to city structure. One of the most notable is the addition of two new city council members.
Indiana’s second class cities each have a legislative body made up of nine members — six members representing six districts and three at-large members. Columbus City Council is now made up of five district representatives and two at-large.
On the proposed map, District 6 would be located in central and north Columbus, with most of its area coming from the current District 4, as well as a small portion of District 3.
Additionally, District 4 would gain some pieces of District 3. Some areas of District 5 and District 1 would now be located in District 3. District 1 would include some areas that are currently part of District 2, including downtown Columbus and a stretch of Jonathan Moore Pike from the East Fork White River to Little Creek Shopping.
For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
