Redwood City – Applications are now open for residents who want to serve on a County of San Mateo commission that will study and recommend draft boundaries for the five supervisorial districts based on the 2020 Census.
This is a once-a-decade opportunity to help influence district boundaries that reflect new population data and demographic changes. The Board of Supervisors is seeking candidates that reflect the diversity of San Mateo County.
The application is available on the County’s website in English, Spanish, Chinese and Tagalog. Applicants can fill out an online form or print and mail a completed form.
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021.
“Diversity and inclusion – those are guiding principles here in San Mateo County and those qualities are what we are looking for on this extremely important Commission,” said David J. Canepa, president of the Board of Supervisors.
“We are actively focusing recruitment on applicants who reflect the incredible diversity we have here on the Peninsula. We want everyone to feel they or someone who represents them has a seat at the table,” he said.
Board Vice President Don Horsley said the process of studying the district lines is fundamental to the democratic process.
“Districts that are roughly equal in population ensure that every resident in San Mateo County has an equal voice in local government,” he said. “We are encouraging residents who come from all regions of our county to apply to the Commission, which will further help ensure the districts represent our diverse communities.”
All applications will be forwarded to a committee formed by and composed of local chapter members of the League of Women Voters, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government.
The League of Women Voters committee will assess applicants based on the following guidance:
► Commissioners must be residents of San Mateo County.
► Elected officials are not eligible to serve on the Commission.
► The selection process will prioritize applicants associated with good government, civil rights, civic engagement, and community groups or organizations that are active in the County, including those active in language minority communities, with the goal of forming a Commission with membership that is geographically diverse and consistent with the County’s emphasis on valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The League of Women Voters will recommend candidates for the Commission to the Board of Supervisors, which will make the final selection at a public meeting. The Board is expected to select 11 residents to serve on the Commission, plus one or more alternates.
Once formed, the Commission will hold a series of public meetings to study the boundaries of the County’s five supervisorial districts. The Commission’s work will be supported by a professional demographer and County staff.
Following an extensive public outreach process, the Commission will recommend draft district boundaries to the Board of Supervisors, which approves and adopts a final map.
It is anticipated that the Commission’s work will be completed by the end of 2021. However, applicants should be willing and able to serve longer if necessary
The application and background information are posted at https://www.smcgov.org/cmo/2021-supervisorial-district-lines-advisory-commission