Illinois and Iowa cities seek second census count, like 2020
Midwest Cities Seek Special Census for Increased Funding
Several small Midwest cities are leading the charge in requesting a special census in hopes of securing additional state funding for infrastructure and public areas. These cities, located in Illinois and Iowa, are eager to replicate the success they experienced during the 2020 census.
Currently, only eleven municipalities in Illinois and Iowa have signed up for the 2024 census with the U.S. Census Bureau. While these cities do not believe their original counts were inaccurate, they have seen such rapid population growth over the past three years that they fear missing out on opportunities to expand their commercial bases.
Population Size Determines Funding
Unlike the 2020 census, the 2024 census will not impact redistricting or the allocation of congressional seats. Instead, the population size will determine the amount of state funding these communities receive. Additionally, officials hope that a new count will attract new businesses to their cities, capitalizing on the appeal of a rapidly increasing population.
Marketa Oliver, city administrator for Bondurant, Iowa, expressed optimism about the special census, stating, “We anticipate a significant increase in population from the special census, particularly given that we have had a record building-permit year.”
Illinois and Iowa Cities Seeking Recount
The cities in Illinois seeking a recount are McDonough, Pingree Grove, Urbana, and Warrenville. In Iowa, the cities requesting a second count are Altoona, Bondurant, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, and Waukee. These Iowa cities are fast-growing suburbs located outside Des Moines, the state’s capital.
Bondurant reported an 18% increase in population from the 2020 census, with over 8,700 residents in mid-2022. Norwalk officials hope the 2024 census will show a population increase exceeding 15,000, a threshold often used in commercial real estate to attract businesses like grocery stores.
According to Gary Krob, coordinator for the State Data Center at the State Library of Iowa, special censuses are popular in Iowa because the state relies on the once-a-decade census numbers to determine funding based on population size. In contrast, other states use annual population estimates for funding allocation.
Warrenville, a suburb of Chicago, believes it can secure an additional $1.2 million annually in federal and state funding by conducting a special census. This calculation is based on the city’s nearly 1,000 new residents from various housing developments.
Pingree Grove has also experienced significant population growth, doubling from over 4,500 residents in 2010 to more than 10,300 residents in 2020. Village officials anticipate a count of 12,300 residents in 2024.
The special census in 2024 is crucial for these cities to increase their share of state revenues, rather than waiting until the 2030 Census. Laura Ortega, the clerk of Pingree Grove, emphasized this need, stating, “The 2024 special census is needed to bring in a larger share in state revenues to the city versus waiting another six years for the 2030 Census.”
Local, state, and tribal governments have until May 2027 to request a special census from the bureau, with costs ranging from over $370,000 to almost $500,000.
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How does an accurate population count through a special census impact the funding and development opportunities for these Midwestern cities?
Iowa, the cities requesting a recount are Bondurant, Clive, Grimes, North Liberty, Norwalk, Tiffin, Wailea, and Waukee. These cities have experienced substantial population growth in recent years, and they believe that a special census will accurately reflect their current population size, which in turn will result in increased funding for infrastructure and public areas.
The success these cities had during the 2020 census has motivated them to pursue a special census. They have seen the benefits of an accurate population count, and they are eager to replicate that success. By conducting a special census, these cities aim to ensure that they receive their fair share of state funding and capitalize on the opportunities that come with a growing population.
One of the main factors driving the need for a special census is the rapid population growth in these Midwest cities. While their original counts may not have been inaccurate, the exponential growth in the past few years has created concerns about missing out on funding and development opportunities. The population size directly determines the amount of state funding these communities receive, making an accurate count crucial for their financial stability and growth.
Furthermore, officials hope that a new count will attract new businesses to these cities. The appeal of a rapidly increasing population can be a significant draw for businesses looking for new markets and opportunities. By accurately reflecting their current population size, cities like Bondurant in Iowa anticipate a significant increase in population from the special census. This anticipation is supported by factors such as record building-permit years, indicating a thriving community poised for further development.
In Illinois, the cities of McDonough, Pingree Grove, Urbana, and Warrenville are seeking a recount. These cities have experienced population growth beyond their initial counts, and they believe that a special census is necessary to accurately reflect their current population size. Similarly, in Iowa, the cities of Bondurant, Clive, Grimes, North Liberty, Norwalk, Tiffin, Wailea, and Waukee are eager to undergo a recount to ensure they receive the funding they require for infrastructure and public areas.
In conclusion, several small Midwest cities in Illinois and Iowa are seeking a special census in hopes of securing additional funding for infrastructure and public areas. With their populations experiencing rapid growth, these cities believe that an accurate count is crucial for their financial stability and development. By conducting a special census, they aim to attract new businesses and capitalize on the appeal of a growing population. The outcome of these efforts will determine the future of these Midwest cities, and it will be a crucial factor in their ability to expand their commercial bases and cater to the needs of their residents.
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