Brookhaven contracts with analytics firm to aid in redistricting

Brookhaven, GA, March 9, 2021 – The Brookhaven City Council has taken action to address the annexations east of Interstate 85 to complete redistricting prior to the upcoming municipal elections this fall.

Due to complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, The U.S. Census was delayed in receiving data, and currently anticipates local census data to be released at the end of September.  However, qualifying for November municipal elections in Brookhaven takes place Aug. 18-20.

“This presents a conundrum for cities that do not control the census or the elections,” said City Manager Christian Sigman. “In order for residents to know what district they live in, whether to run for an office or whom to support for office, they need to know where the district lines are.  After seven annexations east of I-85 since 2014, the City has an obligation to make its best estimation to ensure that every vote counts and that every district represents, as nearly as possible, the same number of people.”

To address the issue, the Brookhaven City Council approved a contract with FLO Analytics in the amount of $33,670 at its Feb. 23 business meeting.  This contract will allow the City to make informed decisions and citizens to understand how the process will work to have final maps in place well in advance of the qualifying date.

FLO Analytics will provide a team of population geographers and spatial analysts combining data from the U.S. Census, the American Community Survey, state, county, and regional population forecasts, and local land and building development records to produce population projections for geographies of differing scales.

FLO Analytics will provide the following deliverables to complete the project:

  • A summary that identifies the data elements the analysis will consider and provide a detailed project timeline.
     
  • Four public meetings during the redistricting project to ensure a fair and transparent process that offers sufficient opportunity for public involvement. Each meeting will be held virtually and advertised in advance.
     
  • A summary describing the assessment of the population balance of the City’s existing district boundaries, as well as a map and demographic table showing population change for each city council district.
  • A minimum of four City Council district boundary maps, each with an accompanying demographic data table and written description
     
  • The development of a final district boundary proposal to submit for City Council consideration and approval.

The work will be complete by mid-May, and the Council will vote on new district maps by the end of June.

  • Printer-friendly version