Planning for Public Mapping

Abstract

This chapter examines the process of conducting public mapping advocacy. A popular form of public mapping advocacy is redistricting competitions, which are intended primarily to capture the public's imagination for reform. There are a number of elements to a successful redistricting competition. At the outset, a group needs to create a strategic plan for their competition. A redistricting competition organizer needs to consider what participants will attempt to achieve. Closely related to choosing mapping criteria is how the redistricting plans will be judged. The next decision involves who will be invited to participate in the competition. Another factor to consider is the competition's timeline, which will vary among the states. In addition, a competition needs staff to organize it. Ultimately, all of these activities require funding. A potential funding source is state-based charitable foundations, whose grant-making rules vary.