Federal Court Approves Settlement in Miami Racial Gerrymandering Lawsuit – NBC 6 South Florida

A federal judge on Monday approved a settlement between the city of Miami and local activist groups in a racial gerrymandering lawsuit that includes a new voting map and a charter amendment.

The ACLU of Florida announced in a press release that U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore approved the settlement. The city was originally sued by local activist groups and the ACLU of Florida for racist gerrymandering — a tactic in which election maps are used to reduce the vote of certain demographic groups — after city commissioners approved new district boundaries.

In April, Moore invalidated the city’s maps, finding them unconstitutional and violating the 14th Amendment.

As part of the settlement, the city will adopt the plaintiffs’ map — called “P5” — which the ACLU says unifies neighborhoods across the city, including Coconut Grove, Overtown, Allapattah and Edgewater.

“This settlement marks a watershed moment for the City of Miami, heralding a new era of fair and equitable representation,” said Nicholas Warren, staff attorney for the ACLU of Florida. “By adopting the plaintiffs’ map, we are breaking down the barriers of racial gerrymandering and building the foundation for a more inclusive society. This victory is a testament to the resilience and power of community voices united in the pursuit of equality. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the residents and organizations who fought to support this case.”

The deal also includes a charter amendment that would ban gerrymandering and create a commission to develop and submit maps to the commission for all redistricting cycles. The amendment will go to a vote in November 2025 for voter approval.