County welcomes residents’ input on proposed redistricting

Richland County is making proposed redistricting maps available to residents online and in person, in order to get feedback on the maps before the new districts are finalized.

This redistricting process involves redrawing the County’s 11 Council districts in response to population changes following the U.S. Census. The process, which happens every 10 years, could affect Council representation for some residents, as some homes and businesses will fall within different districts.

The proposed maps, based on 2020 Census figures, are available by going to www.richlandcountysc.gov and navigating to the Council Districts webpage.

View Maps in Person

Councilmembers Gretchen Barron (District 7), Derrek Pugh (District 2) and Jesica Mackey (District 9) will team up for a drop-in redistricting meeting in Northeast Richland from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14 at Doko Manor, 100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood. Residents can drop by at their convenience to view the County’s proposed maps, ask questions and provide feedback.

“Council wants to make sure residents are aware of potential changes to their districts and give them an opportunity to provide feedback on those changes,” said County Council Chair Overture Walker. “Making these maps available to the public – online and in person – allows us to better serve our community.”

A public hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18 in Council Chambers, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia, will provide another in-person opportunity to give feedback. Additional meetings could be planned before County Council’s third and final reading on the maps, set for Feb. 8.

The maps are also on display during business hours at the following Richland Library locations through noon Jan. 14:

• Blythewood, 218 McNulty St., Blythewood
• Cooper, 5317 Trenholm Road, Columbia
• Eastover, 608 Main St., Eastover
• Sandhills, 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia
• Southeast, 7421 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia

Complete sets of all maps are available at the Eastover, Sandhills and Southeast libraries. Blythewood and Cooper have only the district maps for their respective service areas.

After viewing the maps, residents can email comments and questions to [email protected]. Comment cards are also available at the library locations noted above.

When finalized, the redrawn maps will take effect upon approval by Richland County Council.

Proposed Changes to Council Districts

The most significant changes to the redrawn Council maps are outlined below:

• Districts 1, 4, and 5 (represented by Councilmembers Bill Malinowski, Paul Livingston and Allison Terracio, respectively) remain largely unchanged.
• District 2 (represented by Councilmember Pugh) is losing portions of the North Columbia area and an area south of Blythewood to District 7 (represented by Councilmember Barron).
• District 3 (represented by Councilmember Yvonne McBride) is losing a portion of Ward 6 and all of north Forest Acres to District 6 (represented by Councilmember Joe Walker).
• District 8 (represented by Councilmember Overture Walker) shifts northward, absorbing the Longcreek neighborhood in the northwestern portion of District 9 (represented by Councilmember Mackey). As a result of that shift, District 3 gains the Trenholm Road and Arcadia voting precincts, and District 6 gains the Satchelford voting precinct.
• District 10 (represented by Councilmember Cheryl English) gains the area southeast of Fort Jackson, bounded by Congaree and Piney Branch roads, to the Garners Ferry area currently in District 11 (represented by Councilmember Chakisse Newton).

Find More Information

• On redistricting in South Carolina: The Redistricting FAQ page on the S.C. Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office’s website: www.rfa.sc.gov
• On redistricting in Richland County: The Council Districts webpage on the County’s website: www.richlandcountysc.gov