Palm Springs City Council holds open forum on district-based elections
Palm Springs City Council members are hosting a public meeting tonight to discuss the city’s switch from at-large to district-based elections over the next few months. City representatives and Latino residents hope that the change will help there be better representation in the city council and give the city’s diverse community a voice in local politics.
“The process that we will be going through as a city over the next few months is going to be really important for the future of policy, the future of decision-makers, and for the future of what our city will take on and tackle in the next several years,” said Palm Springs resident Alexis Ortega.
According to recent census data, Palm Springs is about a quarter Latino. By switching to district-based elections, city representatives said they are hoping to more accurately and fairly address the needs of the community.
“In years passed, we haven’t had as much engagement with the Latino community and we’re trying to change that we’re really trying to spread the word and the message that we want them to get more involved in local government here in Palm Springs,” said Amy Blaisdell, Communications Director for the City of Palm Springs.
The open forum is set to start at 6 p.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center. There will be another public meeting Tuesday and then again on Thursday evening. City representatives say everyone is welcome to attend.
Future meetings and public hearings:
6 pm Thursday, Sept. 20 6 pm Thursday, Oct. 4 6 pm Wednesday, Oct. 17 6 pm Wednesday, Nov. 7 6 pm Wednesday, Nov. 21 6 pm Wednesday, Dec. 5
Download the KESQ & CBS Local 2 app on iTunes or Google Play for up-to-the-minute breaking news alerts & more
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2
Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2
We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2
Noticias en español: Telemundo 15
