After Redistricting, City Wards to Also Change

St. Louis Park’s four wards and 17 precincts are about to get a legally required makeover.

With a state Supreme Court panel unveiling new legislative boundaries on Tuesday, local officials must now do some moving and shaking of their own in an effort to balance the population of the city’s wards.

According to 2010 Census data, Ward 2—which covers the southeast part of town and is currently represented by councilwoman Anne Mavity—is the city’s largest, with 12,068 residents. By comparison, councilwoman Julia Ross’ Fourth Ward to the northwest only has 10,536 residents, making it the city’s smallest.

State law requires that wards be equal, or nearly equal, in size. This means that Ward 2 stands to lose roughly 760 residents, while Ward 4 will pick up about 770 of its own. Wards 1 and 3 are already fairly close to the ideal size and will see a negligible change.

Mavity said it will be sort of bittersweet losing people from her ward, but she knows it must be done.

“I love all my neighborhoods,” Mavity said with a laugh. “I don’t want to choose among them.”

Mavity's loss will be Ross' gain.

“I welcome more folks in my area,” Ross said.

City staff is putting together a few concepts to present to council at a March 12 study session, said city manager Tom Harmening.

Among the discussed changes: shifting from Ward 2 to Ward 1 the area south of Minnetonka Boulevard, east of Highway 100 and north of County Road 25—the Triangle Neighborhood—and Ward 4 scooping up some of Ward 1’s territory at the northern edge of the city.

Staff wants to use major roads and other natural dividers as ward lines, and ensure socio-economic diversity within each ward, Harmening said. Also, staff will examine the city's 17 voting precincts and, potentially, combine those with traditionally lower turnouts to lower election costs. Precincts 5 and 6, which both meet at City Hall, could be folded into one, Harmening said.

Council will likely vote on new ward and precinct boundaries in early April.