In 2021 we increased community participation, and the county completed all the requirements. However the way map got modified was not what we anticipated, and many of us were very frustrated. "THE PROMISE OF FAIR MAPS- California’s 2020 Local Redistricting Cycle: Lessons Learned and Future Reforms" recommends to require independent redistricting commissions for larger jurisdictions and prohibit the direct appointment of commissioners by elected officials, and we agree to the report.

To reflect these findings two bills, AB764 to strengthen FAIR MAPS Act and AB1248 to mandate local jurisdictions over 300,000 population to establish independent Citizens Commission, were introduced. Our coalition is asking our representatives to support these bills. We thank our assembly members to vote for the bills and special thanks goes to Assemblymember Bonta who cosponsored AB1248. Both bills passed, and on Oct 2023 the Governor Newsom signed AB764 but vetoed AB1248. 

Evaluating the county map per Fair MAPS Act

1. Equal population:    ✔︎ Deviations are within 5%.

2. Voting Rights Act of 1965:  ✔︎ No majority minority district identified in the Alameda County

3. Contiguity:  ✔︎ 

4. Respect Community of Interest: ? Is your Community of Interest kept together in a single district? Is your community in the same district with neighboring communities you want?

5. Keep city and Census Designated Place together: ? Oakland is split into 3 districts. Fremont and Pleasanton are split into 2 districts. If you live in the area, are you OK with the split?

6. District boundaries easily identifiable by residents: ?  Can you tell where the boundaries are? Does it make sense to you?

In democracy representation matters, and every voice should be heard. It starts with drawing maps prioritizing communities and their people. We are advancing a fair and transparent redistricting for Alameda County.