Columbia special census set for summer/fall to secure more city funding

Jay Powell, Columbia Daily Herald
Updated ·2 min read
The City of Columbia will conduct its special census starting in August and will run through November. The census was approved by City Council in March to pinpoint population growth, which will ensure newer funding opportunities and city status.
The City of Columbia will conduct its special census starting in August and will run through November. The census was approved by City Council in March to pinpoint population growth, which will ensure newer funding opportunities and city status.

Columbia has set the dates and details for its upcoming special census, which aims to pinpoint population growth to ensure additional funding.

The comprehensive undertaking aims to update demographic data crucial for various community planning and funding purposes, city officials say.

Columbia’s population has tremendously grown since the previous Census in 2020, a City of Columbia press release states. The initiative seeks to ensure that every individual in Columbia is accounted for, thus enabling the government to secure essential funds for services that directly impact the community's well-being.

The special census will take place from August through November and is being conducted in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau. Columbia City Council approved the special census in March, which included a $928,069 investment.

More: Council approves plans to conduct special census in Columbia for increased annual revenue

"Our goal is to reach all citizens of Columbia in our quest for an accurate population count," Mayor Chaz Molder said. "By participating in the special census, our residents can actively contribute to the betterment of our community and pave the way for a brighter future."

The special census would be completed in time for the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, which would include the new growth numbers.

Mayor Chaz Molder, center, speaks at the dedication of The King's Daughters' School's newest residential home on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.
Mayor Chaz Molder, center, speaks at the dedication of The King's Daughters' School's newest residential home on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

Citizens will have two opportunities to complete the census, starting with an online survey from Aug. 14 to Sept. 6, followed by door-to-door surveys from Sept. 25 to Nov. 14.

"The Special Census is a proactive step towards addressing the evolving needs of our city," City Manager Tony Massey stated in the release. "By obtaining accurate population figures, we can better allocate resources and prioritize city services and infrastructure development.”

City officials said they anticipate the increased population numbers to generate approximately $1.2 million per year leading to the next 2030 census, amounting to about $6 million total. Therefore, the nearly $1 million investment approved in March should be made up within the first year, Massey previously stated in March.

It could also secure Columbia with "entitlement city" status if the population has exceeded 50,000 people, which would factor not only into the amount of money allocated each year but assessing the city's top priorities and needs. The city could position itself to vie for more grant funding opportunities as well, Massey said in March.

"From my perspective, I see this as a good move by council to approve as a business investment, because we should get our money back within the first year," Massey said. "And then over the next few years that amount goes forward."

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Columbia special census set for fall aims to secure federal funding