2020 Census

REDISTRICTING PROCESS

Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. Assembly Bill 849 (2019) requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach, including to non-English-speaking communities.

The Maps that you help us create will define Sierra County's five district borders, and these new County districts will determine how you elect your Sierra County Supervisors in the next 10 years.

The primary goal when redrawing election districts is to draw lines that respect neighborhoods, history, as well as geographical considerations. So, we need to hear from you; What do YOU consider the boundaries of your neighborhood?

Share your thoughts, submit a map, or attend a public hearing to be involved in this process!

WHAT IS REDISTRICTING?

Every ten years, districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each board member represents about the same number of constituents. In Sierra County, the Board of Supervisors is responsible for drawing supervisorial districts. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which is released around October 20, 2021. For the County of Sierra, the redistricting process must be completed by December 15th (pending any legislative changes that are in progress now.)

WHY DOES REDISTRICTING MATTER TO ME?

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a board member.

The County Board of Supervisors and County staff will provide input in selecting the next district map for our supervisorial districts. You have an opportunity to share how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.

Contact the Clerk-Recorder at clerk-recorder@sierracounty.ca to find out more about how the process works.

HOW WILL OUR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NOTIFY THE PUBLIC ABOUT REDISTRICTING?

The Board of Supervisors will reach out to local media to publicize the redistricting process. Also, we will make a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds about the redistricting process. Our public hearings will be provided in applicable languages if residents submit a request in advance.

Click here for request for Spanish translation.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

The Board of Supervisors will be holding public hearings to receive public input on where district lines should be drawn. Those hearings will be held on

Public Hearing 1: September 21, 2021 @ 10:30AM

Loyalton Social Hall, Loyalton City Park, Loyalton, CA.
Documents provided at hearing.

Public Hearing 2: October 5, 2021 @ 10:00AM
Board of Supervisors' Chambers, 100 Courthouse Square, Downieville, CA 95936.
Documents provided at hearing.

Public Hearing 3: November 2, 2021 @ 10:30AM
In accordance with AB361 and Resolution 2021-140 pertaining to convening of public meetings in response to COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Supervisors will hold meetings via teleconference.
Documents provided at hearing.

Public Hearing 4: November 16, 2021 @ 6:00PM
In accordance with AB361 and Resolution 2021-140 pertaining to convening of public meetings in response to COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Supervisors will hold meetings via teleconference.
Documents provided at hearing

December 7, 2021, Board of Supervisors Meeting
Documents provided at meeting

Click here for Agenda/Public Hearing Notice/Recording

You can also submit public comments, including suggested draft maps, by emailing clerk-recorder@sierracounty.ca.gov

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

Every Sierra County resident has an opportunity to participate in the Sierra County redistricting process. There are many ways to participate.
- Attend public hearings.
- Call in to public hearings to make live comments by phone or in person. All hearings will have a call-in option for the public to make comments to the commissioners. The phone number and process for calling in will be posted on each hearing agenda.
- Submit comments to clerk-recorder@sierracounty.ca.gov. Comments will be available for the public and the Board of Supervisors to review.
- Learn and Explore Maps and Data. Draft Maps and Adopted Maps.

REDISTRICTING TIMELINE

Please Note: Census data is typically provided to counties in March. For this redistricting cycle, the US Census Bureau will not be providing the County census data until the end of September 2021. This will push out our originally projected timeline over the Summer and then cause a compressed timeline in the Fall.

April 2021 - County Counsel educates Board of Supervisors on redistricting process. County Counsel Presentation.

Late September 2021 – The U. S. Census Bureau is scheduled to deliver census to local jurisdictions.

October 2021 – Census data, map scenarios, map feedback form, education, and outreach for the public.

November 2021 – Maps due to the Board of Supervisors.

November/December 2021 – Board of Supervisors to adopt Supervisorial District map.

WHAT DO THE EXISTING SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT LOOK LIKE?

You can find a map of the County’s current supervisorial districts here:

New Supervisorial Maps 12/7/2021 - Resolution 2021-160

WHAT CRITERIA WILL BE USED WHEN DRAWING DISTRICT LINES?

The County of Sierra will be working with California CAD Solutions the County GIS contractor to help with the mapping process. To the extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria: (1) geographically contiguous districts, (2) the geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (3) geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (4) easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.), and (5) lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness. In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.