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More Community Corner Census drive seeks to preserve federal aid
Seeking to protect Holyoke’s share of federal dollars in the decade ahead, city officials have launched a comprehensive campaign to ensure that citizens receive and fill out their U.S. Census forms.
Mayor Michael Sullivan said the goal is to ensure that Holyoke’s official population does not drop significantly below 40,000, where it has been hovering in recent years. A significant decline in the 2010 count could cause the city to lose the $2.3 million a year it currently receives through the Community Development Block Grant program.
Ten years ago, the city’s census-related efforts consisted only of some canvassing and a few television ads, according to the mayor. He said this year’s effort, which began with the distribution of flyers at farmers’ markets and other venues, will include intensive outreach.
The effort is expected to cost the city between $50,000 and $70,000, either in overtime pay for city employees or for outsourcing the work. The cost, however, pales in comparison to what could be lost, Sullivan said.
The city’s plan includes working with church organizations, particularly ones with a congregation of Hispanics, who make up 43 percent of Holyoke’s population. The city has created a census committee that reflects the city’s diverse population.
Sullivan said the city is also working with groups such as the YMCA and the Boys’ Club so that “youths are getting the message and going home and reminding their parents to participate” in the census. In 2002, such a strategy proved effective in persuading parents to buckle young children in their car seats.
More Community Corner Census drive seeks to preserve federal aid
Census drive seeks to preserve federal aid
Seeking to protect Holyoke’s share of federal dollars in the decade ahead, city officials have launched a comprehensive campaign to ensure that citizens receive and fill out their U.S. Census forms.
Mayor Michael Sullivan said the goal is to ensure that Holyoke’s official population does not drop significantly below 40,000, where it has been hovering in recent years. A significant decline in the 2010 count could cause the city to lose the $2.3 million a year it currently receives through the Community Development Block Grant program.
Ten years ago, the city’s census-related efforts consisted only of some canvassing and a few television ads, according to the mayor. He said this year’s effort, which began with the distribution of flyers at farmers’ markets and other venues, will include intensive outreach.
The effort is expected to cost the city between $50,000 and $70,000, either in overtime pay for city employees or for outsourcing the work. The cost, however, pales in comparison to what could be lost, Sullivan said.
The city’s plan includes working with church organizations, particularly ones with a congregation of Hispanics, who make up 43 percent of Holyoke’s population. The city has created a census committee that reflects the city’s diverse population.
Sullivan said the city is also working with groups such as the YMCA and the Boys’ Club so that “youths are getting the message and going home and reminding their parents to participate” in the census. In 2002, such a strategy proved effective in persuading parents to buckle young children in their car seats.
Written by MMA Associate Editor Mitch Evich
