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November 14, 2007
Census Challenge Shows Milwaukee Is Growing
Dear Friends:
Earlier this year, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that its July 1, 2006 population estimate for the City of Milwaukee was 573,358 people. That seemed low to me, so I assembled a team to review the method and data the U.S. Census Bureau used to reach that number.
My Census Working Group went to work and looked at data dating back to 1999. The City's team examined new construction permits and new housing added through additions and alterations to existing structures, like warehouse conversions to condominiums. It also looked at the number of housing demolitions, information on water and electrical utilities, and the Census Bureau's historical underestimation of Milwaukee's population throughout the 1990s.
Our team challenged the Census Bureau's number, and demonstrated that Milwaukee's population actually stands at 602,782 people, instead of Census' original figure of 573,358. The U.S. Census Bureau has accepted that new number as the official population of the City of Milwaukee as of July 1, 2006.
As a result, Milwaukee moves from the 25th largest city in the U.S. to 22nd largest – leapfrogging Boston, MA; Seattle, WA; and Washington, DC. This number also shows that Milwaukee is growing – the 2000 Census found that Milwaukee's population was 596,974. The updated July 1, 2006 estimate places the City population at 602,782 – a gain of 5,808 people.
The new figure will help Milwaukee get its fair share of federal resources, as many grants are determined by population formulas. It will also benefit non-profit entities that apply for funds to various community and neighborhood programs. For private agencies, Census tract data is often included on applications to a variety of funding sources.
It also proves there is a Renaissance going on in Milwaukee, and that our City is a great place to live, work and play. With vibrant neighborhoods, strong economic growth and exciting development, there is positive energy in our City. Milwaukee has so much to offer, and people are coming here.
Sincerely,
Mayor, City of Milwaukee
Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor |