Why the Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS) Matters for Local Redistricting Officials

Why the Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS) Matters for Local Redistricting Officials

By EditorAug 28, 2025
Every year, the U.S. Census Bureau invites tribal, state, and general-purpose local governments, counties, cities, towns, and minor civil divisions to verify that its legal-boundary file is still accurate. This verification program is the Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS). For local officials, keeping your boundaries current is not just cartographic housekeeping. BAS data feeds the American Community Survey, the Population Estimates Program, and the TIGER/Line layers that nearly all redistricting platforms rely on. Accurate boundary lines also protect your jurisdiction’s share of the roughly $2.8 trillion in annual federal funds that are allocated by geography. Who should participate and what’s…
Census Data and Geography, , , ,
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Baltimore County’s Proposed Council Map Adds Two Members but There’s No Agreement on Map Yet

Baltimore County’s Proposed Council Map Adds Two Members but There’s No Agreement on Map Yet

By EditorJun 28, 2025
The Baltimore County Redistricting Commission’s final redistricting map proposal reshapes the council into nine districts, up from seven, following voter approval of a charter amendment. The proposed map includes two majority-Black districts, two majority-BIPOC districts, and five majority-White districts. Council member Izzy Patoka emphasized that the expansion offers more opportunities for women and people of color, but acknowledged the map still needs five of the current council’s seven votes to pass, meaning bipartisan support will be essential. The plan faces resistance from Republican council members such as David Marks, who criticized the map for having a “partisan objective” and splitting communities like…
Enacting a Redistricting Map, Maryland, ,
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Pomona, CA Seeks Residents to Serve on its Independent Redistricting Commission

Pomona, CA Seeks Residents to Serve on its Independent Redistricting Commission

By EditorMar 23, 2021
Pomona, California is seeking 7 residents to serve as commissioners on an independent redistricting panel. Review the requirements here. Pomona City Council Seeks Pomona Residents Interested in Serving on the:Independent Redistricting CommissionPOMONA, CA (March 22, 2021) – If you have a strong interest in the community andyou have the ability to give generously of your time, why not apply to serve on theIndependent Redistricting Commission. Commissioners have an opportunity to makea difference in the community by providing recommendations to the City Council.Commissioners serve on a volunteer basis and are appointed by the City Council.Anyone who is a resident of Pomona…
Local Redistricting, NEWS, Redistricting, , ,
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Commission Meeting Video: Santa Barbara County Citizens Independent Redistricting Comm.

Commission Meeting Video: Santa Barbara County Citizens Independent Redistricting Comm.

By EditorOct 31, 2020
The County's Independent Redistricting Commission consists of 11 county residents who are not elected officials, city staff, lobbyists, candidates, campaign donors, or their close family members. Consideration is also given to the goal of having a commission that reflects the diversity of Santa Barbara County. The commission must provide an open and transparent process that enables full public consideration and comment on the drawing of district lines. View the commission meetings here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu3FTBN0w-M&list=PL8SyQGix1i-UwlM5AyuSBomdr6e1B9nVT Resources Commission website California Redistricting Info California Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission Meeting Video California Local Redistricting News
Redistricting, Redistricting Commissions, VIDEO, , , , , ,
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