Soledad council selects TAN four‑district map, introduces ordinance to implement district elections

Following the successful referendum that removed a previously adopted five‑district ordinance, the City Council held two linked public hearings on May 1 to consider district-based elections and an ordinance to implement a four‑district plan.

Consultant Doug Johnson summarized state and federal criteria for map drawing and noted a recent state change prohibiting maps drawn to favor or disfavor a political party, incumbent or potential candidate. He described the TAN map boundaries, which were previously reviewed and recommended by the advisory committee and which he said avoids an odd census-block split present in some alternatives.

After public comment time produced no speakers, several council members stated their preference for the TAN map. The council made a minute motion to select the TAN map as the preferred alternative and then introduced (by title only) an ordinance to implement four‑district elections; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff will attach the TAN map and bring the ordinance back for a second reading; if adopted, the county will process the change so district elections can take effect for the November election cycle.

Doug Johnson reminded the council that the main legal checks remain equal‑population requirements and Voting Rights Act compliance; staff also noted councils cannot bind future councils from amending adopted maps but adoption requires a formal process.

Next steps: staff will attach the TAN map to the ordinance for second reading and file materials with county elections ahead of the November election schedule.