City seeking people to draw districts

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austinites can now apply to be part of the group that will draw up 10 districts for future city elections. The City Auditor released the applications to be a part of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Fill out an application from Austin Redistricting Portal

In November, Austin voters approved Proposition 3, or the "10-1" Plan, electing to divide the city into 10 geographic districts each represented by one city council member. The proposition got a lot of support from areas and neighborhoods who feel underrepresented with the current system.     

Marshall's Barber Shop on Austin's East side is in the business of shaping things up or creating a new look. Thearthur Sanders visits the shop often, and he's ready for the city's big change.

"It seems like it takes too long to get things done on one side of Austin, than it does on the west side of Austin," Sanders said.

Now the city needs a team of people to establish district boundaries. The 10-page application lists duties and terms of service for the Redistricting Commission, which will be made up of 14 people. Beyond sharing your basic information,questions rage from indicating your voting history, to describing your educational background and analytical skills.

The next question: who will pick the people who will draw up the 10 districts in Austin?

The City Auditor will have a review panel of three people who will evaluate the applicants. The process was all spelled out in Proposition 3.

President of South Austin Democrats Richard Arriola says he thinks a diverse population should be reflected in the selection of commissioners. He hopes that will carry over to a more diverse leadership.

"We knew we deserved more representation and would like to see more representation--south of the river," said Arriola.

Sanders agrees, saying better representation will help bridge gaps between neighborhood and city leaders; making it easier for someone in a barber shop seat to share concerns with someone in a city council seat.