El Monte, CA – On January 11, 2022, the El Monte City Council adopted a resolution to begin the process of establishing and implementing district-based elections of the City Council. With a vote of 3-2, the City Council directed City staff and consultants, National Demographics Corporation and Elevate Public Affairs, to move forward with public hearings and community outreach to ensure that residents of the City of El Monte are informed of the process and how to participate in it.
“If you look at all of the governing bodies within the city, we have a very diverse representation reflecting the diverse cultures within our community. From a broad age range, Latino, Asian, LGBTQIA+ communities and comprised of men and women. The residents of El Monte have done a good job at electing representatives that look like them, but I also feel that by moving to districts, we can take representation a step further for the 2024 election,” said Mayor Jessica Ancona. “As elected officials, we have earned the trust of our constituents, we have become their voices, however we must allow their voices to be heard during this process.“
In accordance with Elections Code Section 10010 the City is required to host two public hearings to receive general public comment on the proposal to move to district elections, two public hearings for the public to provide feedback on the proposed district maps created, and a final public hearing to adopt a final map and council structure.
With a population of 109,905 residents, the City of El Monte will conduct robust outreach to the community and encourages all residents to attend one or more of the public hearings to learn about the process, what this means to them, and provide input on how the districts should be drawn.
The first public hearing took place on February 16. A schedule of the upcoming meetings is as follows:
- March 1: Public hearing to receive input on the proposal to move to district elections
- March 15: Public hearing to review draft maps
- March 29: Second public hearing to review draft maps plus public hearing to approve 1st reading of an ordinance approving the transition to districts)
- April 5: Second and final reading of ordinance approving transition to districts.
Councilwoman Dr. Maria Morales shared that “this is an opportunity and a testament to the City’s relationship with its institutions and people. It’s about representation at the city council level.” Adding that “as we go through this process it is incredibly important that everyone in this community feels represented.”
By moving to district elections, the City hopes to ensure that all El Monte residents are represented equally and fairly. Residents are encouraged to visit ci.el-monte.ca.us/661/City-Council-Election-Districting for more information and to provide their input.
Councilmembers in support of the motion to move forward with the process of district-based elections included Mayor Pro Tem Alma Puente, Councilmember Dr. Maria Morales, and Councilmember Martin Herrera. Mayor Jessica Ancona and Councilmember Victoria Martinez Muela voted in opposition of the motion.
The City of El Monte, located in Southern California, is committed to improving the quality of life for its citizens and strives to provide its community personalized service, uncompromising commitment, and individualized accountability. For information on the City of El Monte, please call 626-580-2200 or visit www.elmonteca.gov