CHANGE Illinois Launches Effort to Create an Independent Advisory Redistricting Commission

LWV Chicago joins other organizations in support

In cooperation with neighborhood organizations and good government groups, CHANGE Illinois will be creating the Chicago Advisory Redistricting Commission, CHANGE’s Executive Director Madeleine Doubek announced on March 9. “Our goal is to see an independent remapping commission that will reflect the core rich diversity of the city,” Doubek said.

In addition to LWV Chicago, other organizations supporting the effort include Common Cause Illinois, Operation Rainbow PUSH, United Nations Association Greater Chicago Chapter, NAACP Chicago Chapter, the Latino Policy Forum, Metropolitan Planning Council, Southwest Side Collective, IVI/IPO, and the Council against Handgun Violence. 

The advisory commission will help create a “people’s map” based on input from communities and work done in other major cities across the country, said Chaundra Van Dyke, project manager.

The commission will include 13 members selected by a Selection Committee. The commission will reflect the racial, ethnic, and economic diversity of the city in order “to give the best opportunity to create a map for Chicago by Chicagoans,” Van Dyke said.  

CHANGE Illinois is currently accepting applications to serve on the commission. “Chicagoans from every community are invited to apply to serve on the commission,” Van Dyke added. Applications are being accepted until April 9; they are available in nine languages. Commissioners chosen to serve will receive a $5000 stipend at the end of the process. 

This is an opportunity to show “state officials how redistricting can be done in a way that empowers communities and the people who make them what they are,” Van Dyke said.