The people have spoken, and the second draft of the redistricting map for the city of Syracuse has been drawn.

A redistricting public hearing was held by the 15 volunteers of the redistricting committee.

This hearing allowed the public to voice their thoughts on the second drafted redistricting map.

To best hear from the community, a listening section in each district was held before the map was redrawn.

They take each district's comments and concerns into consideration while also using guided census data and legal requirements.

Commissioners say they have taken into mind concerns like creating an entirely Black district, keeping neighborhoods whole, maintaining resources, and the upcoming I-81 community grid project.

The most important requirement is that the five districts have the same number of people,” Syracuse Redistricting Committee Commissioner Melody Holmes said. “That is the really important requirement. Each district can’t have any more than 5% between the largest and the smallest, and that comes out to be about 1,500 people.

The draft map will be revised as necessary based on the public hearing feedback before the final map is presented.

That's set for August 1 to the public, and then to the Common Council after.