2017/12/06 Council Agenda Packet

I Draft Memo - Geographic Representation For Everett City Council 11/8/17 To: Everett City Council Fr: Council Member Paul Roberts Re: Proposal Establishing A Committee To Examine Geographic Representation Of City Council, And Consider Electing Council Members By Wards Or Districts The City Council wishes to establish a Committee to examine geographic representation and explore election of City Council members by districts. The work of this Committee shall be conducted in a transparent manner, intended to inform and involve the public as to the issues and alternatives associated with geographic representation and governance, and to seek public involvement in the course of this work.The Committee will make recommendations to the City Council in a timely fashion in order for the Council to consider such recommendations, and consider placing a measure on the general election ballot in November 2018. The charge of the Committee shall include the following tasks: Review recent history regarding consideration of geographic representation in Everett including: the 2016 Charter Review Committee record (this record includes submittals by district advocates and detailed reports by Charter Review Committee Members Megan Dunn and Michael Swanson); MRSC briefing memo "Council Election by Wards or Districts" which outlines the RCW citations for creating districts and provides examples of cities in Washington State with districts (copy attached); the Everett City Council General Government Subcommittee report of February 2017, considering forming geographic Council districts; and such other information the Committee deems appropriate. Consider issues associated with geographic representation including but not limited to: The relationship of districts to governance under at-large and district structures; Models for a district structure (e.g. how many districts, how many at-large, geographic boundaries for districts, number of representatives per district etc); Voter history and turnout in Everett municipal elections; Diversity, socioeconomic factors and demographics in Everett; Potential size of districts or wards,and the relationships of district size to voting and participation for each voter; and Relationship of district models to Everett's neighborhoods and social structure. Develop a set of alternatives for geographic representation and, with assistance from City staff (Public Information Office, Office of Neighborhoods and Planning Dept.), undertake a public involvement process to educate and solicit public input on the issues of geographic representation and alternatives.