Census data is a well-known tool in the world of planning, with many lesser known yet incredibly important uses. When thinking of redistricting, most people think of it at the federal or state level. However, First Class Townships that use a ward system must also undergo a similar process. After each census, ward lines need to be changed to minimize the variation in population between them. This is achieved by using data from the most recent census. Being a first-class Township, Susquehanna Township recently underwent this process.
To complete ward reapportionment in Susquehanna Township, an ArcGis Online web application was created. In addition, a reapportionment committee was formed, consisting of three Township Commissioners and the Township manager. The reapportionment committee worked to ensure a smooth process while being sure to include all relevant groups and stakeholders in the discussion. Once community engagement and stakeholder involvement were completed, the physical manipulation of ward lines could begin. On the technical side, the webapp was simple and allowed for Census Block Groups to be selected spatially, while also showing their populations. This user-friendly application allowed for the current wards to be changed spatially to meet the population variation requirements and for crucial communities of interest to be preserved. This is one of many unique ways ward reapportionment can be completed.
This is just an example of how reapportionment can be handled at the municipal level. As planners, it is important to be comfortable using data in ways that are unorthodox. By using tools such as GIS, redistricting is now a simpler and more transparent process than it was in the past.
