County Reaches Settlement in Court Challenge of Supervisorial District Map
Author: Administrative Office
Date: 3/24/2023 2:57 PM
San Luis Obispo County Supervisors have approved a settlement agreement with SLO County Citizens for Good Government, the League of Women’s Voters and three other plaintiffs who challenged the validity of the supervisorial district map adopted in December 2021.
The adoption of the map (often referred to as the “Patten Map”) was challenged in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court by the plaintiffs. In January of last year, a judge allowed the map to stand through the 2022 election cycle, but found the petitioners had a reasonable probability of prevailing in court. The judge also found if that happened, the appropriate remedy would be for County Supervisors to reconsider the matter and evaluate any proposed maps consistent with the Fair Maps Act.
Given the significant expense and uncertainty associated with taking the case to trial, the Board of Supervisors has agreed to settle the case and has authorized the County Administrative Officer to sign the agreement.
As part of the settlement, a stipulated judgement will be signed by the Court, requiring the previously approved map be set aside. The Board is then required to resume and complete the redistricting process and adopt a new map in time for the March 2024 primary election. As part of this process, the Board will consider the previously proposed maps and invite public comment. Here are the next steps:
- April 4th: Supervisors will set a hearing date for April 18th to repeal the current map and consider the previously proposed maps.
- April 18th: Public hearing on repealing the current map and consideration of previously proposed maps.
As part of the settlement, the County agreed to pay plaintiffs legal fees in the amount of $300,000. This was to address the risk the Court could order the county to pay legal fees and costs well in excess of this amount.
Please see attached Map A, Map B, Chamber 2030 Map, and Settlement Agreement.
