Mapping our Communities of Interests (COIs)
In support of the People’s Map Commission (PMC), we are collecting COI maps. These maps will allow the PMC to take into account the specific on-the-ground knowledge of the people of Wisconsin, you and me, and make the new electoral districts more fair.
Two Ways to Create Your COI Map
Make a map with one of our facilitators
We will ask you questions such as the ones listed below and make the map for you. Once you are satisfied with the map, you can submit it through the PMC Mapping Portal. We’ll guide you at every step of the way – no need for you to learn the software.
We can make the map in person or on zoom.
do it on your own
We’ve created a guide for you to follow and create your map on your own. If you are having any trouble, you can always reach out to us and we’ll get back to you with assistance.
Our Goal is 200 COI Maps
The goal of the PMC is to collect one thousand maps so from Western WI, we’d like to contribute 200.
Goal 200 by July 30, 2021
Last updated on July 28, 2021.
A bit more background
What is redistricting?
Redrawing the district boundaries where elections takes place.
This includes congress, state legislature, county commissions, city councils, school boards and more.
Redistricting must be done every 10 years after the Census to balance population.
Why does it matter?
It impacts who has a voice, who can run for office and who is elected.
Many communities are well served by being kept whole to have a louder voice with their representative.
Some communities are better served by being split between districts to avoid packing.
What is a Community of Interest (COI)?
It is a group with significant shared interests that should be given careful consideration by the line drawers, such as:
Small family farms
Residents with unique environmental concerns
Commuters who rely on public transit
People who work in the same industry
Families that rely on the public school system
The COI can be rural, urban or suburban.
Start thinking about your COI
Some questions to help you get started
Who is part of your community? Where do they live? What do they have in common?
(employment sector, languages spoken, pedestrian-friendly areas)
What are some important places?
(commercial areas, place of worship, community centers, employers)
What issues need attention from officials? What community projects need resources?
(parks, transportation, social services, schools, roads, affordable housing, flood risk)
What might a community meeting be about?
(violence, policing, pollution, food security, road quality)
Navigating the COI narrative: dos and don’ts
COIs cannot be exclusively defined by race or political party.
You can find the real source of the COI by asking yourself about common issues that unite the community:
How is this shared identity reflected in resource needs?
Are there frequent protests here? Where do they meet? What are they about?
Do people tend to have the same kinds of jobs or employment needs?
What would you like your representatives to do for your community?
Explore Districtr
Districtr is the open source software that MGGG uses to collect COIs. The PMC is working with MGGG to collect these maps.
We’ve been having so much fun!
Be sure to submit your map too!
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- Mappy Hour Hop and Barrel
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- Contact your Legislators!
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- Making COI Maps
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- Talk about Fair Maps and Get a Tshirt!
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- It’s fun to make maps!
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- Public making their COI Map with help from WWNVD
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- So much fun!
