The final vote on new Columbus City Council districts is set for Tuesday.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. in Columbus City Hall. The evening’s agenda includes the second reading of the council redistricting ordinance; the first reading passed 6-0 on Oct. 18. The proposed district map can be viewed on the city’s website at columbus.in.gov. The 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.
Councilman Frank Miller, R-District 4, said at the council’s Oct. 18 meeting that council members will continue to represent their current districts until January of 2024. However, the new boundaries will apply to upcoming council elections.
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 5 would gain a couple of small portions of District 4. 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.
