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City of Miami Gardens Launches Complete Count Census Initiative

Strategic Insights

— 3 min read

Mayor Shirley Gibson and the City Council of Miami Gardens kicked-off the 2010 Complete Count Census initiative on March 1, 2010, with a series of public service announcements, poster and flyer distribution, direct mail delivery, and two scheduled census education and awareness events. The initiative aims to ensure that all residents, particularly hard-to-count communities, participate in the census.

The City of Miami Gardens, which was established in 2003, has never been officially counted before. It is essential for the city to achieve an accurate count to allocate services properly and attract governmental resources and partnerships over the next 10 years. Historically, Miami-Dade County has been undercounted, with estimates suggesting an undercount of 20% in the year 2000, and even higher in minority and hard-to-count communities. This undercount resulted in losses of federal funding for various programs, including Medicaid, Foster Care, and Vocational Education Basic Grants.

Mayor Shirley Gibson emphasized the importance of an accurate census count, stating, "The census is really about three things - politics, money, and power. An accurate census count helps level the playing field." According to a report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers in 2001, 58 of the largest counties in the US, including Miami-Dade County, are expected to lose over $100 million in federal funds each over a 10-year period due to undercount.

The City has made significant progress in the past seven years, hosting major events like the Super Bowl and the BCS College Bowl Game, and achieving a decline in crime and an "A" issuer credit rating from Standard & Poor's. To educate residents about the census, the City has launched an official website and will host several census education and awareness events during March.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Miami Gardens launched its 2010 Complete Count Census initiative on March 1, 2010.
  • The initiative includes public service announcements, poster and flyer distribution, direct mail delivery, and two scheduled census education and awareness events.
  • The City aims to achieve an accurate count to allocate services properly and attract governmental resources and partnerships over the next 10 years.
  • Historically, Miami-Dade County has been undercounted, with estimates suggesting an undercount of 20% in the year 2000, and even higher in minority and hard-to-count communities.
  • The undercount resulted in losses of federal funding for various programs, including Medicaid, Foster Care, and Vocational Education Basic Grants.
  • Mayor Shirley Gibson emphasized the importance of an accurate census count, stating it helps level the playing field.
  • According to a report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers in 2001, 58 of the largest counties in the US, including Miami-Dade County, are expected to lose over $100 million in federal funds each over a 10-year period due to undercount.
  • The City has made significant progress in the past seven years, hosting major events like the Super Bowl and the BCS College Bowl Game, and achieving a decline in crime and an "A" issuer credit rating from Standard & Poor's.
  • The City has launched an official website and will host several census education and awareness events during March.
  • Mayor Shirley Gibson and City Council members are committed to making sure all residents and employees are aware of the importance of the 2010 Census and its implications for the City's future.

Statistics:

  • Miami-Dade County was undercounted by 20% in the year 2000.
  • The undercount in minority and hard-to-count communities was estimated to be higher.
  • 31 states, including Florida, lost a total of $4.1 Billion in federal funding due to undercount.
  • 58 counties, including Miami-Dade County, lost $3.6 Billion in federal funding due to undercount.
  • The City of Miami Gardens has made great strides in the past seven years.
  • The City has hosted two Super Bowls and a BCS College Bowl Game, and is poised to host its signature event, the 5th Annual Jazz in the Gardens Festival.
  • Mayor Shirley Gibson and City Council members want to ensure the City continues to grow in a positive direction.

Sources:

  • City of Miami Gardens
  • US Census Monitoring Board report produced by Pricewaterhouse Coopers in 2001
  • CQ Press in Washington, D.C.
  • Standard & Poor's
  • Managed Care Weekly Digest editors from staff and other reports
  • NewsRx.com

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