Districts

The Districting Process

Local governments use data from the Census to draw district lines to reflect the changing local population demographics. State law requires cities and counties to engage communities in the districting process by holding public hearings and doing public outreach, including to underrepresented and non-English-speaking communities.
 

How can I participate?

The City Council will be holding public hearings to receive resident input on where district lines should be drawn. There will also be community outreach in the form of workshops being held in different locations around the City. Share your specific thoughts, draw a map, attend an upcoming public hearing or workshop to get involved! We want to hear your stories - tell us what your communities of interest are and give your opinions on draft maps in person or via email at districts@ontarioca.gov.

Below you can view a calendar of public hearings at which you can give input about the process or a specific map.


Why is this important?

The City of Ontario is asking for your help as we undertake the City’s first ever districting process. We want your input in planning, drawing, and dividing our new City Council districts. With your help, the finalized maps we create will define the City of Ontario council district borders and will impact how you elect your Council Members in the future.

Our primary goal when developing election districts is to draw lines that respect neighborhoods, history, and geographical elements. In order to achieve this goal, we need your input: What do you consider the boundaries of your neighborhood?


Submitted Draft Maps

On December 6, 2022 the City Council took action to introduce an Ordinance approving Map 17, and on December 20, 2022 the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 3224 adding a new article 3 to title 2 of volume 1 of the Ontario Municipal Code to change the city’s electoral system from at-large to by-district elections.

Additional online viewing, with search and other geolocation features enabled, may be found HERE (Maps 1-9) and HERE (Maps 10-17).

 

ACCORDION
Community Engagement Meetings

On July 19, 2022, the Ontario City Council chose draft district maps for further consideration. The City of Ontario is asking for your help as we undertake the City’s first ever districting process. We want your input in finalizing the new City Council districts. Join us for in-person and online community engagement meetings. Please submit comments or questions to districts@ontarioca.gov.

Meeting locations and/or meeting times are subject to change.

DATE LOCATION  
September 8, 2022 – 10 AM Facebook Live

Link to Presentation

The purpose of this forum was to present map options 4, 4A, 6, 10, and 10A. The maps were compared for the public, and instructions on how to provide comments verbally and via email were provided. There were 8 participants who joined via Facebook Live.

September 10, 2022 – 6 PM De Anza Community & Teen Center The purpose of this forum was to present map options 4, 4A, 6, 10, and 10A for public scrutiny. The public was given the opportunity to compare the maps and provide comments verbally or on comment cards. There were 11 people present at this meeting. Comments included keeping the community's best interest in mind when making a decision and a second comment stating the participant was saddened that Ontario is going into districts. 
September 16 – 17, 2022  Booth at Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion The purpose of this booth was to distribute copies of map options 4, 4A, 6, 10, and 10A. The public was given notification of the upcoming community engagement meetings and information on how to provide comments. Contact was made with approximately 260 participants. 
September 24, 2022 – 10 AM Zoom (Spanish)

 Join us on Zoom by clicking here!

The purpose of this forum was to present map options 4, 4A, 6, 10, and 10A in Spanish. The maps were compared for the public, and instructions on how to provide comments verbally and via email were provided in Spanish. There were 2 participants who joined via Zoom.

October 8, 2022 – 3 PM Facebook Live

Link to Presentation

The purpose of this forum was to present map options 4, 4A, 6, 10, and 10A. The maps were compared for the public, and instructions on how to provide comments via email at districts@ontarioca.gov were given.

There were 17 participants who joined via Facebook Live.

October 12, 2022 – 6 PM Anthony Muñoz Community Center

The purpose of this forum was to present map options 4, 4A, 6, 10, and 10A. The maps were compared for the public, and instructions on how to provide comments via email at districts@ontarioca.gov were given and public comment cards were handed out.

There were 8 participants who attended the meeting. Communities of interest included high/low income, the Ontario International Airport, and school districts.  

October 22, 2022 – 10 AM Zoom (English)

 Join us on Zoom by clicking here!

The purpose of this forum was to present map options 4, 4A, 6, 10, and 10A. The maps were compared for the public, and instructions on how to provide comments via email at districts@ontarioca.gov were given. There was one participant and no comments were made.

 

Public Hearings

City Council Meetings begin at 6:30 PM at the Ontario City Council Chambers. Public Hearings will be a part of the agenda.

April 5, 2022

Public Hearing No 1:

  • Pre-map
  • Overview of districting
  • Review of timeline
  • Resources

AGENDA INFORMATION

Link to Agenda & Meeting Video

Link to written comments

May 10, 2022

Public Hearing No 2:

  • Pre-map
  • Overview of districting
  • Input regarding communities of interest
  • Review of timeline
  • Resources

AGENDA INFORMATION

Link to Agenda & Meeting Video

Link to written comments

June 21, 2022

Public Hearing No 3:

  • Review of draft maps
  • Public and Council input on proposed maps

AGENDA INFORMATION

Link to Agenda & Meeting Video

Link to written comments

July 5, 2022

Public Hearing No 4:

  • Review of draft maps
  • Public and Council input on proposed maps

AGENDA INFORMATION

Link to PowerPoint Presentation

Link to Agenda & Meeting Video

Link to written comments

July 19, 2022

Public Hearing No 5:

  • Review of draft maps
  • Public and Council input on maps

AGENDA INFORMATION

Link to PowerPoint Presentation

Link to Agenda & Meeting Video

Link to written comments

November 1, 2022

Public Hearing No 6:

  • Review of draft maps
  • Public and Council input on maps

AGENDA INFORMATION

Link to PowerPoint Presentation

Link to Agenda & Meeting Video

Link to written comments

Handout Provided During Hearing Comment

December 6, 2022

Public Hearing No 7:

  • Review of draft maps
  • Public and Council input on maps

MEETING INFORMATION

Link to the Agenda & Meeting Video

Link to PowerPoint Presentation

December 20, 2022 Second Reading of Ordinance

Link to Ordinance 3224

Link to Agenda & Meeting Video 

 

Creating a Map

Follow the video tutorials below on how to create your account and create a map.

Once you complete the video tutorial, CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR MAP. 

Submit your draft maps by emailing districts@ontarioca.gov.

 

ENGLISH TUTORIAL

SPANISH TUTORIAL

Districting Mapping Workshops

After the Tuesday, May 10 Special City Council Meeting on Districting, the Community Mapping Tool will be released on Wednesday, May 11. This Mapping Tool will allow all community members to draw and submit their desired City Council districts for future consideration. 

In an effort to get the community's full input on this process, the City will be hosting four Districting Mapping Workshops. 

DOWNLOAD THE POWERPOINTS BELOW

Paper maps available at the meetings below. Meeting locations and/or meeting times are subject to change.

DATE LOCATION WRITTEN SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS
Saturday, May 14, 2022: 10 AM – 12 PM

Lewis Family Branch Library (3850 E. Riverside Drive)

This workshop provided computers for members of the public to receive direction and create their own maps using the online mapping tool on davesredistricting.org and receive further directions on creating maps using the paper map kits. The workshop was held in English with Spanish translation. Tutorial videos were created in both English and Spanish and can be found on this website for download. There were three members of the public present at this workshop. Participants were also given map paper kits. 

Saturday, May 14, 2022: 1 PM – 3 PM

Ovitt Family Community Library (215 E. C Street)

This workshop provided computers for members of the public to receive direction and create their own maps using the online mapping tool on davesredistricting.org and receive further directions on creating maps using the paper map kits. The workshop was held in English with Spanish translation. Tutorial videos were created in both English and Spanish and can be found on this website for download. There were two members of the public present at this workshop.
Saturday, June 4, 2022: 10 AM – 12 PM

Lewis Family Branch Library (3850 E. Riverside Drive)

This workshop provided computers for members of the public to receive direction and create their own maps using the online mapping tool on davesredistricting.org and receive further directions on creating maps using the paper map kits. The workshop was held in English with Spanish translation. Tutorial videos were created in both English and Spanish and can be found on this website for download. There were no participants present at this workshop.
Saturday, June 4, 2022: 1 PM – 3 PM

Ovitt Family Community Library (215 E. C Street)

This workshop provided computers for members of the public to receive direction and create their own maps using the online mapping tool on davesredistricting.org and receive further directions on creating maps using the paper map kits. The workshop was held in English with Spanish translation. Tutorial videos were created in both English and Spanish and can be found on this website for download. There was one member of the public present at this workshop.


 

Downloadable Files

Community Workshops

All Community Workshops will begin at 6 PM. Community Workshops will include reviewing of mapping tool and how to read the maps.

DOWNLOAD THE POWERPOINTS BELOW

Meeting locations and/or meeting times are subject to change.

DATE LOCATION WRITTEN SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS
April 4, 2022 - 6 PM

Anthony Muñoz Community Center

The workshop provided background and specific directions on creating maps using the online mapping tool on davesredistricting.org and directions on creating maps using the paper map kits. This workshop was held in English with Spanish translation. Materials were available in both English and Spanish and can be found on this webpage for download. There were approximately five members of the public present at this workshop.  

April 6, 2022 - 6 PM

Ontario Convention Center

The workshop provided background and specific directions on creating maps using the online mapping tool on davesredistricting.org and directions on creating maps using the paper map kits. This workshop was held in English with Spanish translation. Materials were available in both English and Spanish and can be found on this webpage for download. There were approximately six members of the public present at this workshop.  
April 11, 2022 - 6 PM

Westwind Community Center

The workshop provided background and specific directions on creating maps using the online mapping tool on davesredistricting.org and directions on creating maps using the paper map kits. This workshop was held in English with Spanish translation. Materials were available in both English and Spanish and can be found on this webpage for download. There were approximately ten members of the public present at this workshop.  
April 12, 2022 - 6 PM

Shade Tree Community Center

2641 E. Penelope Lane
Ontario, CA 91762

The workshop provided background and specific directions on creating maps using the online mapping tool on davesredistricting.org and directions on creating maps using the paper map kits. This workshop was held in English with Spanish translation. Materials were available in both English and Spanish and can be found on this webpage for download. There were two members of the public present at this workshop.  
April 13, 2022 - 6 PM

De Anza Community & Teen Center

The workshop provided background and specific directions on creating maps using the online mapping tool on davesredistricting.org and directions on creating maps using the paper map kits. This workshop was held in English with Spanish translation. Materials were available in both English and Spanish and can be found on this webpage for download. There was one member of the public present at this workshop.  

Downloadable Files

FAQ's

What is districting?

It is the regular process of determining the lines of voting districts in accordance with population shifts. In California, public agencies and other organizations must divide the lines of their districts according to the results of the Census, so that each district is substantially equal in population. This ensures that each elected official represents about the same number of constituents. All district lines must be reviewed to meet strict requirements for population equality, voting rights protections, and in accordance with the California FAIR MAPS Act.


Why is it important?

Districting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing Council Members. The City Council will seek input in selecting the City of Ontario’s first district map for electing Council Members. You have an opportunity to share with the City Council how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community during the public hearings and/or by submitting comments to districts@ontarioca.gov.


What criteria will be used to determine district lines?

  1. Federal Laws
    • Equal Population (based on total population of residents as determined by the most recent Federal decennial Census and adjusted by the State to reassign incarcerated persons to the last known place of residence)
    • Federal Voting Rights Act
    • No Racial Gerrymandering
  2. California Criteria for Cities (to the extent practicable and in the following order of priority)
    • Geographically contiguous (areas that meet only at the points of adjoining corners are not contiguous. Areas that are separated by water and not connected by a bridge, tunnel, or ferry service are not contiguous.
    • Undivided neighborhoods and “communities of interest” (Socio-economic geographic areas that should be kept together for purposes of its effective and fair representation)
    • Easily identifiable boundaries
    • Compact (Do not bypass one group of people to get to a more distant group of people)
    • Prohibited: “Shall not favor or discriminate against a political party.”
  3. Other Traditional Redistricting Principles
    • Minimize voters shifted to different election years
    • Respect voters’ choices / continuity in office
    • Future population growth

What are Communities of Interest?

A community of interest is a “contiguous population that shares common social and economic interests that should be included within a single district for purposes of its effective and fair representation.” They are the overlapping sets of neighborhoods, networks, and groups that share interests, views, cultures, histories, languages, and values and whose boundaries can be identified on a map. The following elements help define communities of interest:

  • shared interests in schools, housing, community safety, transit, health conditions, land use, environmental conditions, and/or other issues;
  • common social and civic networks, including churches, mosques, temples, homeowner associations, and community centers, and shared use of community spaces, like parks and shopping centers;
  • racial and ethnic compositions, cultural identities, and households that predominantly speak a language other than English;
  • similar socio-economic status, including but not limited to income, home-ownership, and education levels;
  • shared political boundary lines from other jurisdictions, such as school districts, community college districts, and water districts

How will residents be notified about the districting process?

The City Council will notify the public about redistricting hearings and workshops, post maps online before adoption, and maintain this dedicated web page for all relevant information about the redistricting process.

Public hearing notices will be published in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. We will also make a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds and residents about the redistricting process through our social media channels. Our public hearings and workshops will be provided in applicable languages if residents submit a request in advance to districts@ontarioca.gov.


Common acronyms demographic categories:

  • NH: Non-Hispanic
  • NL – Non-Latino
  • AIAN – American Indian Alaskan Native
  • VAP: Voting age population
  • CVAP: Citizen Voting Age Population
  • CVRA: California Voting Rights Act
  • FAIR MAPS Act: Fair and Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political Subdivisions
  • BBK – Best Best & Krieger

Do I have to submit a completed map?

No, you do not need to submit a completed map. You may draw boundaries for only your neighborhood or only a portion of the city. It is helpful if you submit written commentary with your map describing why the neighborhood/area should be kept together in a single district.


Can I submit multiple maps?

Yes, you may submit as many maps as you like – there is no limit. However, we suggest you submit only your top 2-3 preferred maps to assist the City Council in focusing on the map that best represents your community.


What happens to the drafted maps?

Once submitted, maps are considered public records. After you submit your map, the demographic consultants will generate the population and other demographic details for your proposed map. Maps can be viewed on the Draft Maps page or on the Interactive Review Map. As of June 13, 2022, 10 draft maps have been prepared and posted for initial review at the June 21st regular Council Meeting. Maps may be submitted until July 1, 2022.

Downloadable Files