Redistricting Mapping Consultant
- This RFP had a pre-bid event.
Every ten years, after the Census, governments at all levels (local, state, and federal) are required to redraw political district lines to ensure that all individuals receive proportional representation. This process of redistricting critically affects nearly all aspects of our day-to-day lives because it helps determine who can vote, who can run for office, and who can win in a given district. When Asian Americans or other minority communities are grouped together in a district, they can have a greater influence on the outcome of elections. This can empower communities and make elected officials more accountable to that community. If Asian American communities are divided, as they historically have been in Chicago, the community's voting strength and political power are weakened. In coalition with concerned Asian American leaders, AAI is conducting advocacy and education to make a positive impact on the 2011 redistricting process. AAI aims to keep Asian American communities grouped together in the upcoming redistricting process, so that Asian Americans have a full and fair opportunity to elect candidates of their choice who will be responsive to their needs.
MAIN DELIVERABLES:
The Redistricting Mapping Consultant will be responsible for producing the following deliverables:
1.During January and February of 2011, generate and present maps illustrating relevant demographics of Asian American communities, such as the Chinatown and West Ridge/Devon areas of Chicago. This project will include but is not limited to the following tasks:
a.Work with AAI staff to articulate boundaries of cohesive Asian American communities and other relevant communities in surrounding areas; and
b.Collect, analyze, and incorporate data related to socioeconomic characteristics of selected Asian American communities.
2.During January, February, and March of 2011, generate and present maps of districts that AAI and community partners will propose to the Illinois General Assembly. This project will include but is not limited to the following tasks:
a.Acquire and format data sets from the American Community Survey and 2010 PL 94-171 block data for Illinois;
b.Acquire current shape files for Illinois;
c.Collect, analyze, and incorporate data related to voting patterns and other characteristics of communities;
d.Assist AAI staff with purchasing and implementing GIS-based redistricting software, such as Autobound or Maptitude for Redistricting.
e.Use GIS-based redistricting software to generate draft maps of districts, including state legislative and representative districts, which comply with the Voting Rights Act and address concerns of Asian Americans and other community partners. This will be a highly iterative process. The consultant should be prepared to spend significant time with AAI staff to explore a number of different district boundary possibilities.
f.Respond to technical questions from AAI staff and communicate with the software vendor to resolve any problems that arise. Stay apprised of and apply new technologies and innovation related to redistricting software and web-based sharing and comparison of maps. To the extent that any community partners use different mapping software, work with other GIS technicians to find ways to compare and analyze maps.
g.Prepare maps in a variety of formats, including Internet, e-mail, print, multimedia display for interactive community meetings, and coordinate other methods of distribution and sharing.
h.As appropriate, prepare narratives or reports to accompany district line proposals.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: Resource permitting, the Redistricting Mapping Consultant might also be responsible for the following tasks:
1.Participate in community forums to collect public input about community and district boundaries.
2.In a timely manner, evaluate proposed maps issued by community partners or the Illinois General Assembly, and assist AAI with preparing responses and/or alternate maps.
3.Assist with drafting testimony that AAI staff will give at public hearings.
4.Assist AAI staff and community partners in obtaining, analyzing, and presenting statistical data on demographics, voting patterns, and other information of interest.
5.Assist AAI staff and community partners in developing policy recommendations relevant to the redistricting map drawing process.
Qualifications:
College degree required (advanced degree preferred) and at least five years of relevant mapping experience using GIS;
Experience in analyzing statistics and other demographic data;
Detail-oriented, flexible, self-starter with the capacity to liaison in a professional, effective, timely, and discreet manner with several people and organizations;
Effective oral, written, and cartographic skills;
Experience with GIS software;
Experience with Census data and TIGER files;
Ability to work independently under tight deadlines, with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills;
Organized with the ability to manage multiple projects/tasks with deadlines; and
Knowledge of redistricting and redistricting software applications strongly preferred.
This position will begin as soon as possible in January of 2011 and will last for approximately four to six months, although the main deliverables will need to be completed much earlier due to the timing of the redistricting process. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and scope of work as described in proposal and budget submitted to AAI. The Redistricting Mapping Consultant should be available for frequent meetings at AAI's office in Chicago, depending on the tasks at hand. Some travel to Springfield, Illinois, various neighborhoods in Chicago, and evening and weekend hours may be required. If the Redistricting Mapping Consultant needs access to hardware, software, or data through AAI, that should be detailed in the proposal.
To Apply:
To apply, please e-mail your resume or CV, proposal and corresponding budget, and samples of work to [email protected] by January 21, 2011.
For more information about AAI, please visit www.aaichicago.org.
AAI is an equal opportunity employer.
