Councilmember Domer introduced Ordinance No. 20, which would create a citizen-led Valparaiso Redistricting Advisory Commission to develop proposed city council district maps following the 2030 census. Domer said the ordinance is intended to promote public participation, transparency and checks and balances in the map‑drawing process.

Domer described months of community outreach, two public forums and consultations with the League of Women Voters of Porter County and Common Cause Indiana. “Beginning the process close to 1 year ago gave us time to discuss the objectives . . . and establish the redistricting criteria to be followed when drawing the city council district map,” Domer said. He told councilors drafts were reviewed by city legal counsel and revised in response to public feedback.

Council members praised Domer’s outreach and the idea of engaging residents in map drawing, while some members asked for clarity about tools and verification. A few councilors raised concerns about perceived partisanship tied to outside organizations; other councilors and Domer emphasized that the League of Women Voters and Common Cause were nonpartisan organizations focused on civic engagement.

Councilmember Domer and other councilors agreed there will be ample opportunities for public input and further review. The council moved to carry Ordinance No. 20 to a second reading; the motion passed and the item will return for further deliberation and formal votes at a later meeting.