Changing the Conversation

Featured Impact

GNOCDC Helps New Orleans Secure Millions in Federal Funding:
Census Bureau boosts 2008 estimate by almost 25,000 based on GNOCDC data

For the second consecutive year, the U.S. Census Bureau has accepted a challenge to their population estimate for Orleans Parish, based on data analysis by the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center. The 24,791 increase means that New Orleans stands to receive an additional $15 million for law enforcement, education, child care, food assistance, homeless assistance, mental health services, and more. After reviewing GNOCDC’s demographic analysis submitted by the City of New Orleans, the Census Bureau released a revised 2008 population estimate of 336,644 — up from its original estimate of 311,853 released in March 2009.

One year earlier, the U.S. Census Bureau revised their 2007 population estimate of Orleans Parish from 239,124 to 288,113 based on data supplied by GNOCDC. The revision to the 2007 estimate is estimated to make New Orleans eligible for $45.6 million in additional federal funding for essential community services. At least 64 federal programs determine their funding allocations based on these population estimates.

“We are honored to contribute our expertise to serve the community in this way,” said Dr. Allison Plyer, Deputy Director of the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center. “With millions in federal funds at stake, we’ve worked very hard to show the most accurate picture of New Orleans’ population. But it will take every single one of us to get the Census 2010 head–count right. On April 1st, the Census can only count you if you fill out the census form.”