Councilors debate risk to representation if at-large seats expand

During the council-size discussion, multiple members warned that adding or expanding at-large seats could concentrate representation in parts of the city with higher registered-voter totals. A councilor noted, "You've got 6,100 registered voters in Ward 1. You've got 3,800 registered voters in Ward 2," and asked whether at-large seats would disproportionately favor certain wards.

Other councilors echoed concerns about losing diversity and institutional memory if the council shrinks too far. Supporters of a moderate reduction to seven said the change could broaden access for working residents by making the role more feasible, but several members said any change must preserve equitable representation across wards.