What is the process of redrawing municipal boundaries?

Redrawing municipal boundaries is the process of changing the boundaries that divide one municipality from another. In Washington, this is done through a combination of legislative and citizen-based actions. The first step in redrawing boundaries involves the state legislature. The legislature must pass a bill that outlines how the boundaries will be redrawn in order to meet state and local needs. Once the bill is passed, the legislature has the authority to appoint a commission that will oversee the redrawing of the boundaries. This commission typically consists of three members from the senate, three from the house, and three citizens. The commission is then responsible for drafting a plan that outlines the proposed new boundaries for each municipality. The plan is then sent to each local government for their consideration and comments. The citizens may also submit comments or suggest changes to the plan. After all the comments have been considered, the commission will then approve a final plan. This plan is then sent back to the state legislature for their approval. If the legislature approves of the plan, then the new boundaries are put into effect and the municipalities may begin to function under their new boundaries. In some cases, the boundaries may be subject to a referendum, in which citizens may vote on whether or not they want the new boundaries to be implemented. If the people vote in favor of the new boundaries, then they will be officially adopted and the municipalities will have new boundaries in place.

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