Citizen Portal
Sign In

Public voices concerns about proposed districting process; commissioners outline next steps

Deschutes County Board of Commissioners · October 30, 2025

Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts

Subscribe
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Members of the public told commissioners they worry the proposed districting process is too fast and could invite legal challenges; commissioners responded that the plan is a voter proposal (districting rather than redistricting) and invited constituents to contact staff for details.

Public comment at the Oct. 29 Deschutes County meeting included concerns that the county’s proposed districting plan and the commission process could appear rushed or lack sufficient independence.

Emily Brown, a registered nurse and Bend resident, said the current process "seems too fast and it has the air of impropriety," and recommended an independent panel including political scientists or judges and more careful use of accurate census and population data. Commissioners responded that the county is proposing a map for voters (districting rather than redistricting) and that the proposal will go to voters for approval; staff offered to discuss details with members of the public who requested more information.

Provenance Topic intro: Public comment on districting (transcript excerpt: "My name is Emily Brown... I just wanted to say that I agree that it is, it seems too fast and it has the, like, the air of impropriety.")

Topic finish: Chair response explaining the proposal goes to voters and staff availability for follow-up.