The Town of La Plata has officially adopted revised ward boundaries ahead of its upcoming municipal election, aiming to ensure fair representation as the town’s population continues to grow. The town’s Board of Supervisors of Elections made the decision following a comprehensive review of the Council Ward Map, required every two years under the Town Code.
The board’s review involved studying population changes within each ward and offering recommendations. This adjustment marks the first significant revision of the ward map since 2013 when it was last updated using 2010 census block data. At that time, the town’s population had grown by 33.5%, increasing from 6,556 in 2000 to 8,753 in 2010.
Mayor Jeannine James emphasized the importance of updating the boundaries to reflect La Plata’s evolving demographics. “The Town of La Plata remains committed to ensuring fair representation for its residents,” she said. “We thank those who provided diligent, well-informed recommendations and research for the redistricting map and will continue to monitor population growth and adjust ward boundaries as necessary.”
More Accurate Data Utilized for Redistricting
The latest revision uses more advanced tools to accurately assess population growth, allowing for a more precise realignment of the ward boundaries. In contrast to past updates, which relied heavily on census block data, the new methodology incorporates more specific population estimates. The previous reliance on census data often resulted in a greater margin of error, particularly when accounting for commercial properties.
The revised boundaries now reflect population growth projections in various wards based on upcoming developments. For example, Ward 1 is expected to see significant growth due to the construction of multi-family dwellings on Rosewick Road and Washington Avenue, along with future projects like the HUB and Pinegrove. Ward 2 is similarly projected to grow with the ongoing development of Pinegrove.
Ward 3 is also slated for increased population as developments in Steeplechase continue, and new projects such as Stagecoach, Hawthorne Yards, and Oriole Lane break ground. Meanwhile, Ward 4 is expected to maintain a steady population, aided by active developments like the Charles Street Apartments.
Forward-Looking Approach
The town’s planning department is now using a more forward-looking approach to maintain balanced ward populations. This involves calculating the expected population growth based on the number of new dwelling units built since the last census, multiplied by the town’s average household size of 2.3. This methodology will continue to guide future ward boundary updates, ensuring that the town stays in line with its legal obligation to provide equitable representation.
By accounting for ongoing and upcoming residential developments, the new ward boundaries aim to distribute residents more evenly across the town’s four wards, as required by the Town Charter and Town Code. Population increases in Wards 1 and 3, in particular, will help achieve this balanced distribution.
Residents interested in learning more about the new ward boundaries can visit the town’s official website at https://townoflaplata.org/ for additional information.
