§ 2507. PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT.

(a)

The Commission shall establish and implement an open meeting process for public input and deliberation that is promoted through an outreach program to solicit broad public participation in the redistricting process. The Commission shall comply with all applicable State and City requirements for open meetings.

(b)

Prior to adopting a final map, the Commission shall hold at least nine (9) public meetings, including one (1) public meeting in each existing Council district. A final map may not be adopted unless a proposed final map with substantially similar Council district boundaries has been adopted at least seven (7) days earlier at a prior public meeting.

(c)

The Commission shall establish and implement a process for accepting written public comment, including the submission of draft maps and draft partial maps for the Commission's consideration.

(d)

Commission members and staff may not communicate with or receive communications about redistricting matters from anyone except at a public meeting or through the process established for accepting written public comment. This subsection does not prohibit:

(1)

communication between Commission members, staff, legal counsel, and consultants retained by the Commission that is otherwise permitted by State and City open meeting requirements; or

(2)

commissioners, staff, legal counsel, or consultants from engaging in public education and outreach, including explaining how the Commission functions and encouraging public participation in the redistricting process.

(e)

Any person who is compensated for communicating with the Commission or any commissioner, other than a reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses, shall identify the party compensating them in such communication.

(Added by Meas. DDD, 11-6-2018, eff. 12-11-2018)