NEWSLETTER Volume IV September 17, 2021
TOP STORY
Photo: https://redistricting-irc-az.
Public Hearings Scheduled for Comments on First Set of Grid Maps
Be Involved With Drawing of Congressional and Legislative Lines
Phoenix, AZ- The first Grid maps for Arizona’s redistricting process were approved on September 14, 2021, by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC). The approved Grid Maps are of equal populations for the congressional and legislative districts as required by the state constitution.
Arizonans are encouraged to become involved with this next phase by going online utilizing the mapping system and or by attending the public hearing sessions. Information can be found on the following link: Grid Mapping System.
Individuals attending the in-person sessions at the main and satellite locations will have the opportunity to speak and give public comments on the Grid Maps. They can also complete their mapping comments online before the public meetings. Schedules for the upcoming meetings are also available online and within this newsletter.
The link for the adopted Grid Maps: 1st adopted Grid Maps. There will be an opportunity to observe each meeting on live streaming and that information will be listed on the website: https://irc.az.gov/
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
This week’s publication features an interview with Arizona IRC Commissioner David Mehl.
What was your interest in volunteering to serve as one of Arizona’s Independent Redistricting commissioners? I understand what an important task it is to create fair redistricting maps for our state. My entire adult life has been in Arizona, and I have two married sons and six grandchildren who live here. I care deeply about the future of our state. My educational background (BA in political science from University of Arizona, master’s in political theory from University of Illinois) centered on political thought and American government. I have always had an interest in politics, but this is my first direct involvement beyond encouraging good candidates to run for office.
What strengths do you have that adds value to the redistricting tasks? I have had a very successful business career in Arizona, and I have learned the importance of listening well and respecting divergent viewpoints. I have a lot of experience in dealing with complicated issues and with reaching agreement with others. I am a very perseverant person, and I will give my best effort in representing our state well. I will be a strong advocate for following our Arizona Constitution as we do our work.
Do you have any other volunteer work? I have always committed time for volunteer work. I helped to found the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, a major business group dedicated to improving life in Southern Arizona. I have served as board chair or board member for much of the last 22 years on the board of the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. I serve as an elder in my church, Catalina Foothills Church PCA.
Special hobbies? I love spending time with my growing family. I also hike, ski, golf, fly fish, and play some tennis or pickleball. I am an avid University of Arizona sports fan.
Commissioner David Mehl’s professional bio and photo can be found on our website link: Commissioner David Mehl
IN THE NEWS
Arizonans are encouraged to be involved with the redistricting process. The IRC is providing the Redistricting System, a free online mapping tool for residents to draw and submit their own proposed maps. Arizona residents have access to the same, easy-to-use mapping tool and database utilized by the commission.
What is the Redistricting System? The Redistricting System is a free tool available to anyone interested in proposing changes to the Arizona legislative and congressional maps. The system provides users with comprehensive data, features and functionality for plan management, visualization, editing, and community collaboration using the latest available census and state data to draw maps and submit them to the commission.
Individuals who chose not to use the Redistricting System tool, alternatively may submit public comment to the Arizona IRC Contact Us web page.
Following these public hearing sessions for Arizona residents to submit proposed changes to the Grid Maps to improve the maps' compliance with the requirements of Proposition 106, the commission will meet to discuss and adopt an official Draft Legislative and an official Draft Congressional Map.
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Click here to view an interactive google map of locations and times
UPCOMING: Join the Arizona IRC for its public meeting on Tuesday, September 14 at 8:00am. Watch LIVE: https://bit.ly/AZIRC34
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
IRC Redistricting Training Series: Link - Coming Soon!
Esri Redistricting Demos: YouTube Playlist
Esri Documentation: Link
Esri Redistricting Resources: Link
Esri Redistricting Blog Post: What you need to know about redistricting
What’s new in Esri Redistricting: Check out the latest news
Esri Redistricting Learn Lesson: Learn to draw plans with self-guided instructions
Understanding Demographic variables: Description of the demographic variables
Socioeconomic Story Map
Socioeconomic Report Web App
Community of Interest Report
Frequently Asked Questions
Need free access to the internet to watch one of our public meetings or utilize our mapping tools? Here are two sites that can show you how to find a free WiFi hotspot near you.
https://connect-arizona.com/
https://azland.maps.arcgis.
MISSION: The Independent Redistricting Commission's mission is to redraw Arizona’s congressional and legislative districts to reflect the results of the most recent census. The concept of one-person, one-vote dictates that districts should be roughly equal in population. Other factors to be considered are the federal Voting Rights Act, district shape, geographical features, respect for communities of interest and potential competitiveness. The state Constitution requires the commissioners – two Republicans, two Democrats and an independent chairperson – to start from scratch rather than redraw existing districts.
A new Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission was appointed in January 2021 to adopt new congressional and legislative districts for Arizona.