City Manager’s Office
Reference: Ward Boundary Update Maps
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Kayla Barber-Perrotta, Budget & Performance Manager
Date Prepared: July 14, 2022
PURPOSE
To amend the ward boundaries to reflect an increase in the population of the City of Brighton between May 2017 (previous ward boundaries update) and July 2022.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA(S)
Strategic, Supportable Infrastructure
Financially Responsible
Facilities, Ammenities, and Open Space
Safe, Active, Engaged Community
Recognizable and Well-Planned Community
Innovative, Data-Driven, Results-Focused Government
Strong Regional Relationships and Partnerships
Sustainability
BACKGROUND
Attached for your consideration are options for amending the ward boundary map. The maps have been prepared as per the City Charter and Colorado Constitution requirements. The last time the ward boundaries were revised was in 2017.
We have had considerable growth, primarily in Ward I and Ward 4 since that time with growth patterns anticipated to trend the City’s center of population south and east as development comes online in Ward 3 and Ward 4 over the next several years. The city’s current total estimated population is 40,087. Note: this number reflects the number of C.O.’s (certificates of occupancy) issued for housing units since the census was completed in 2020. Therefore, the current estimated population of each existing ward is as follows:
Ward 1: 10,965
Ward 2: 10,515
Ward 3: 9,368
Ward 4: 9,239
The Brighton City Charter requires the division of the City into wards be consistent with the relevant provisions of the Colorado Constitution. The courts have interpreted the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution as requiring that each ward have a population as nearly equal as may be. This is also referred to as “one person - one vote” and is intended to assure that wards be drawn approximately the same size so one person’s vote is worth in one ward is worth as much as another’s.
According to the Brighton Charter Section 4a of Article III: “The boundaries of the wards established pursuant to this section shall not be changed more often than once in six (6) years, unless change is necessary to conform to constitutional apportionment requirements. Territory added to the City shall become a part of such ward or wards as may be determined by ordinance, but this shall not prevent apportionment to conform to constitutional requirements.” According to the charter, staff can update the ward boundaries within the six year timeframe only if the boundary population differs more than five percent from one ward to another. Ward 1 is significantly larger in population than Ward 4, so it is permissible to redistrict this year (year five), rather than wait until next year.
ATTACHMENTS
a. Ward Map Option 1
b. Ward Map Option 2
c. Staff Presentation