Redistricting
The process of legislative redistricting generally occurs every ten years following the release of decennial population data by the U.S. Census Bureau. Often times, a county will experience population growth or decline during the 10 years between censuses, and unequal distribution of population can occur, resulting in some legislative districts failing to meet one of the most fundamental democratic principles: equal representation, or "one person, one vote."
Redistricting is the mandated process occurring at federal, state and local levels that rebalances population between districts to restore equal distribution. Within Knox County, three legislative bodies with district-based representation are required to redistrict. These include Knox County Commission, Knoxville City Council and Knox County Board of Education.
Knox County Commission and Board of Education
On November 10th, the Knox County Commission approved new district boundaries for County Commission and the Board of Education. For the first time, the district boundaries for both political bodies fully align. To view a map of the new district boundaries, click here.
Knoxville City Council
City Council completed its redistricting with adoption of new of districts at its May 17, 2011 meeting. The new districts lines, which are based on the city’s 2010 population of 178,874, are now officially enacted.
- View the 2011 Redistricting Plan
- MPC Redistricting Presentation, 2/19/11
- 2010 Population Count for 2000 Districts
- 2010 Demographics for 2000 Districts
Redistricting Resources
- Legal Basis for Redistricting in Knox County
- State of Tennessee Comptroller’s 2010 Local Redistricting Guidelines
- Download 2010 U.S. Census Redistricting Data for Knox County
Additional Resources
- 2009 County Commission Redistricting
- Redistricting in America
- Tennessee: Rate of Population Change by County: 2000 to 2010
