HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Huntsville City Council has closed its penultimate public hearing on its redistribution proposals, drawn from 2020 census data.

A few small changes in the proposed map aroused little concern from participants. The changes have involved neighborhoods that cross district boundaries, which city redistribution staff say is only done to balance populations evenly.

The lines currently proposed would give Districts 1, 2 and 4 about 43,000 people each. Districts 3 and 5 would contain approximately 42,000 inhabitants.

One notable adjustment announced was that Oakwood University in northwest Huntsville would see all of its land transferred to District 5 after previously having a small area in District 1. The board clarified that, as well as other switches, do not injure or assist any district in future elections, and he avoids any sign of gerrymandering.

City planner and chief of city redistribution staff Connie Graham said the city does not expect any sudden changes until the last public hearing, citing a relatively relaxed process of public participation that has to both ensured confidence and improved the way the city draws the lines.

“People will email us and it will start a conversation, and then soon their neighbors will email us,” Graham said. “And that way, you find out what exactly the point of a neighborhood or community is and if they’re not satisfied. So, most importantly, the changes we have made so far have been addressed through this process. “

The last public council meeting for the redistribution is scheduled for November 22 at 5 p.m. inside City Hall. Members of the public are invited to attend.

The board will finalize the plans at a meeting on December 2 and adopt them on December 16.