County Council seeks public input on new district maps

This week, Richland County Council began the process of redrawing maps of the County’s 11 Council districts.

This process, known as redistricting, involves redrawing districts in response to population changes following the U.S. Census and takes place every 10 years.

Using input from the 11 County Councilmembers, Council unanimously approved the redrawn maps Thursday during the first of three readings. Residents can view the County’s proposed maps, based on 2020 Census figures, by going to www.richlandcountysc.gov and navigating to the Council Districts webpage.

“Councilmembers have been very deliberate about this process,” said Council Chair Paul Livingston, adding that transparency and public involvement have been top concerns among his Council colleagues.

Second reading on the maps is scheduled for Council’s meeting Tuesday, Jan. 4, with third and final reading set for Feb. 8. Residents are encouraged to provide input on the redrawn maps ahead of their final approval via two options:

• Emailing questions and comments to the Clerk to Council’s Office at [email protected] or the County Administration Office at [email protected] by Tuesday, Jan. 18
• Attending a public hearing on the maps, set for Jan. 18

Richland County is identifying locations throughout the community to have the maps displayed and accessible in person before that date.

The County is divided into 11 districts to ensure all residents are represented equitably as possible by an elected County Councilmember.

Census figures show the County’s population grew 8.2 percent since 2010, increasing from 384,504 residents to 416,147. Richland County has the state’s second-largest population, behind only Greenville County.

Next Steps on Redistricting

• Jan. 4: Second reading by County Council
• Jan. 18: Public hearing in Council Chambers, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
• Feb. 8: Final reading by County Council