WHEREAS, According to Article 1, Section 2 of the United States Constitution every resident of the United States has to be counted every 10 years through the United States Census; and
WHEREAS, The data collected determines the number of political representatives at each level of government for Philadelphians including the Philadelphia City Council, Pennsylvania General Assembly and Pennsylvania United States Congressional districts; and
WHEREAS, The 2010 Census results acknowledged Philadelphia's population grew by .6% over the past 10 years for a total population of 1,526,006; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is the most populous city and state in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Redistricting is the process that draws electoral district boundaries as a result of the decennial census data collected to form an updated system of equal constituent representation amongst all legislative bodies; and
WHEREAS, Given the difficulties of producing a final redistricting plan in a timely manner in the past, it is imperative that we find ways to improve the process; and
WHEREAS, Through increased citizen outreach, education and hearings, the redistricting process throughout the city of Philadelphia will be open and transparent; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby call on City Council's Committee of the Whole to hold public hearings to educate and inform citizens on the redistricting process and opportunity in order to create an open and transparent opportunity for public engagement and input for City Council's consideration.
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