Population and Housing Census data are released every 10 years and during that time, Howard County redraws Council District boundaries to reflect population changes and shifts which have been identified from the findings. The last sample of census data was in 2010.
Visit the web pages below to learn about the process, why we are required to do it, and its potential impact and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is designed to help you to learn more about how redistricting may affect you, please click here for more information.
Why Redistrict?
Article II, Section 202(f) of the Howard County Code requires that the Council appoint a Councilmanic Redistricting Commission by April 1st of the year after each decennial census date. The most recent Commission was appointed on March 7, 2011.
How is the Commission created?
The Commission includes seven members: three members named by the Central Committees of each political party that polled at least 25% of the total vote for the Office of the County Executive in the last preceding general election, and a Chairperson, all appointed by the County Council.
What is the time line for the process?
By October, after the Commission has completed its evaluation, it presents a councilmanic redistricting plan to the County Council. Within 30 days of receiving the redistricting plan, the Council holds a public hearing on the plan. If by March of the following year no redistricting ordinance has been enacted, then the Redistricting Commission’s plan becomes law.
What are the guidelines for the new districts?
Council districts should be compact, contiguous, substantially equal in population, and have common interest as a result of geography, occupation, history, or existing boundaries. The Board of Supervisors of Elections will take any necessary steps to implement any revisions of the Council District Boundaries that are adopted.
Redistricting Information
Howard County Census Data - DPZ
Meetings
You may listen to the audio of the Public Hearings by clicking on the one you wish to hear.
First Public Hearing - Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 7 p.m.
in the Community Room of the Clarksville Volunteer Fire Station
Second Public Hearing - Monday, June 13, 2011 at 7 p.m.
at the Elkridge Branch Library
Third Public Hearing - Wednesday, September 21, 2011 in the George Howard Building.
You may listen to the audio of the Work Sessions by clicking on the one you wish to hear.
June 20, 2011
September 26, 2011
October 5, 2011
Redistricting Maps
RECOMMENDED PROPOSALS
Click here for the PDF of the Recommended Map
Click here for Interactive Map
2010 Howard County Population
2010 Census Tracts with Population Totals