City Beat
Everyone
Counts
T
he last time we
counted, only 48,821
people lived here in
Gilroy. It’s been ten years since
that 2010 Census and we’re
pretty sure a few more people
have moved-in since that count
was taken. In fact, the last time
the census count was taken, it
was the year the last show of LOST aired (such a disap-
pointing conclusion to what had been an intriguing show),
Angry Birds consumed our spare time (fl inging virtual birds
has never been so much fun), and the Giants won the
World Series for the fi rst time in over 40 years (to our utter
enjoyment, they proceeded to win again in 2012 and
yet again in 2014). Here, in Gilroy ten years ago, things
were a bit, well, smaller. In the years since 2010, two
major housing development projects have begun building
in Gilroy, Glen Loma Ranch to the south and Hecker Pass
to the west, bringing with them new housing and neigh-
bors to our community.
With the passage of ten years, it’s time for the 2020
Census as mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The cen-
sus count is important to our community as it is used
to inform the distribution of more than $675 billion in
federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties,
and communities. That money is spent on schools, hos-
pitals, roads, public works, and other vital programs.
Vision Quest Ranch/
Monterey Zoo
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In addition, the results of the census are used to reap-
portion the House of Representatives, determining how
many seats each state gets, and to reapportion represen-
tation within the state, determining state legislative rep-
resentation. Because of these factors, California State,
Santa Clara County, and the City of Gilroy are all work-
ing together towards a complete count of everyone living
within our community.
In mid-March, you should have received your first
invitation to participate in the 2020 Census through the
mail. This year you will be able to respond to the cen-
sus online, over the phone, by mail, or in-person with a
door-to-door census enumerator.
By responding to the census and being counted, you
can make a difference in our community by ensuring
that we receive the funds designated to help those living
here and help us reach our goal of a complete count.
Everyone counts in Gilroy, thank you for all your indi-
vidual efforts to support the 2020 Census.
When You Respond Everyone Benefi ts
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
SPRING 2020
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