Redistricting
Final Ward Boundaries
The City of Takoma Park has completed its redistricting following the 2020 Census. Redistricting is a process where the City reviews its Ward boundaries to see if they have similar populations and meet other criteria. An interactive web map of Final Ward boundaries can be found here. These boundaries will be in effect for all City Council elections until the completion of the 2030 redistricting. A PDF map of the previous Ward boundaries can be found here; with the completion of the 2020 redistricting, these are no longer in effect.
Further information about the process of putting together the maps is included below for reference.
About the Project
With the completion of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population balance of the City’s wards must be reviewed and the boundaries redrawn (if needed) to ensure that wards are close to equal in population and meet other requirements. The City contracted with FLO Analytics to conduct the review and redistricting process and develop ward boundary maps that meet constitutional and statutory requirements as well as any additional criteria established by the City Council. Bloom Planning assisted with community education and engagement on the process on behalf of the City and FLO. The Council considered and adopted new boundaries in March which will be effective for the November 2022 City Election.
As part of the project, the City and FLO created a redistricting engagement portal, available here. The City also collected resident comments through two survey forms, and allowed residents to submit their own maps using a map-modeling tool.
Project Timeline
Wednesday, September 22, 2021, City Council Meeting – Presentation and Discussion of Redistricting Criteria
Wednesday, September 29, 2021, City Council Meeting – Resolution Adopting Redistricting Criteria
Thursday, October 21, 2021, Community Engagement Meeting #1 – Information about Redistricting and Communities of Interest (7 p.m.)
Thursday, December 2, 2021, Community Engagement Meeting #2 – Public Review and Comment on Preliminary Ward Map Options (6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 (City Council meeting) – Council Review of Possible Ward Maps. New maps posted in advance of City Council meeting
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 (City Council meeting) – Continued Discussion of Ward Maps
Wednesday, February 16, 2022 (City Council meeting) – Public Hearing on Draft Maps and Work Session Discussion
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 (City Council meeting) – Work Session Discussion of Draft Maps and Ordinance
Wednesday, March 2, 2022 (City Council meeting) – Ordinance Adopting Redistricting Plan: First Reading
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 (City Council meeting) – Ordinance Adopting Redistricting Plan: Second Reading
Archived Meetings:
Community Engagement Session #1
October 21, 2021 – Recordings:
Community Engagement Meeting #1
Slide Presentations:
Amharic
English
Spanish
Community Engagement Session #2
December 2, 2021 – Recording:
Slide Presentations:
Amharic
English
Spanish
Governance for redistricting of Takoma Park’s wards is provided in the City Charter:
City Charter, The Council, Section 301(c): The City of Takoma Park shall be divided into six (6) wards for municipal voting purposes. Each ward shall be compact in form, composed of adjoining territory, and have a substantially equal population. The ward boundaries shall be established by ordinance and shall be reviewed after each decennial census. The boundary descriptions of the six (6) wards shall be kept on file for public view at all times in the office of the City Clerk.
City Charter, General Powers of the Council, Section 401(b): Ward Redistricting. To provide for the redistricting of the wards of the City; provided, however, that the number of wards shall be as set forth in this charter, wards shall be as nearly equal in population as is practical and apportioned consistently with the principle of one person/one vote, wards shall be geographically contiguous, ward boundaries shall to the extent practical recognize natural boundaries, and no ward shall be gerrymandered to ensure the election or defeat of any incumbent candidate or potential candidate.
The generally accepted standard for substantially equal populations is that the difference in population between the largest and smallest district (or ward) should not exceed 10%. Additionally, the City should not take any action, intentional or otherwise, that would reduce minority voting power or limit the ability of minority candidates to obtain public office.
Two community meetings were planned to inform residents about the process and invite their participation. The first meeting was on Thursday, October 21, and the second meeting was on Thursday, December 2. The meetings were held via Zoom, streamed on YouTube and recorded.
Project Lead & Contact Info
City Clerk
Jessie Carpenter, CMC
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
P 301-891-7267 | M 240-723-0437
Email: jessiec@takomaparkmd.gov
Maps Considered by the City Council
Map Option A-1 (Revised 1/19/2022)
Map Option A (1/12/2022)
Option B (1/12/2022)
Communities of Interest Included in Maps A, B, and A-1
Map options Y and Z (final options prepared by FLO):
- Map Options Y and Z
- Options Y and Z Analysis
- Large Map Y
- Map Y in District Scenario Modeler (does not show split blocks)
- Large Map Z
- Map Z in District Scenario Modeler (does not show split blocks)
For reference, (2013) (PDF)
- Link to 2003 map (PDF)
- Link to pre-2003 map (PDF)
Draft-maps discussed in November 2021:
Option 1 Map:
- Option 1 Map and Statistics-rev
- Option 1 Statistics: Total deviation between highest and lowest population wards – 8.6%
- Link to view in District Scenario Modeler
Option 2 Map:
- Option 2 Map and Statistics-rev
- Option 2 Statistics: Total deviation between highest and lowest population wards – 7.1%
- Link to view in District Scenario Modeler
Option 3 Map:
- Option 3 Map and Statistics-rev
- Option 3 Statistics: Total deviation between highest and lowest population wards – 7.9%
- Link to view in District Scenario Modeler
Option 4 Map:
- Option 4 Map and Statistics-rev
- Option 4 Statistics: Total deviation between highest and lowest population wards – 6.4%
- Link to view in District Scenario Modeler
Option 5 Map:
- Option 5 Map and Statistics-rev
- Option 5 Statistics: Total deviation between highest and lowest population wards – 6.0%
- Link to view in District Scenario Modeler
Resident Submissions
FAQ
For a complete list of FAQs click here
Why does redistricting matter to me?
Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a Council member. The City will seek input in selecting the next ward map for our wards. You have an opportunity to share how you think ward boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.
How can I get involved?
The City will hold public meetings and have facilitated community engagement sessions to receive public input on where ward lines should be drawn. As dates are determined for meetings, that information will be posted to this page. Please continue to check this website for updates throughout the redistricting process and how to get involved.
Budget & Funding Source
The City Council budgeted up to $50,000 for the redistricting process.
