The Chattanooga City Council is sparking complaints about the process it has used to draw new political boundaries using 2020 census data, as several meetings took place behind closed doors.
In a Friday phone interview, Councilwoman Carol Berz, of Brainerd Hills, who chairs the redistricting committee, acknowledged the meetings took place without public notice or access. But she said the meetings were procedural, and council members did not communicate with each other about their districts.
“When I tell you this is the most kosher thing that’s ever happened, it is,” Berz said.
Berz said council members met twice with the city’s statistics team to inform team members that they must comply with the law.
Those who wish to view the proposed map can do so at bit.ly/ChattaRedistrict. The council is holding a public input session at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers, 1000 Lindsay St. That’s one week before the council is scheduled to vote on the proposed nine-district map on April 5.