What made the City decide to take proactive action on district elections rather than just wait for pressure from the various groups? What does the City hope to accomplish?

The City began to do research, hired outside counsel, and started to schedule public hearings on the issue of district-based elections when it learned of the impending receipt of Mr. Shenkman’s letter.  The City hopes to provide an opportunity for all interested persons to provide input to the City Council on the issue of district-based elections, and to ensure that the City’s electoral system best serves the entire City, in compliance with state and federal law.