2007 NYSAC Press Releases
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NYSAC Releases Policy Brief on Latest Population Estimates
NYSAC Releases Policy Brief on Latest Population Estimates
Population declines mean loss of Federal funds, congressional representation and tax base
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) today released a policy brief that examines the population estimates issued by the US Bureau of the Census, and describes the impacts they will have on New York State and its counties. The estimates released this year are used to determine the amount of Federal funding available for state and county governments for a wide range of programs and services.
“After almost 2 decades of stagnant growth, New York is facing the prospect of losing millions of dollars in federal resources, declining influence in our nation’s capital because of the loss of congressional representation,” according to the Policy Brief. “New York State’s status as the Empire State is threatened by the continuing flight of our most precious resource, our children, to other parts of the country.”
The report, which is designed to raise awareness about the shifting population trends in New York State, was sent to county executives, chairs and administrators and Governor Eliot Spitzer, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
The report is available at www.nysac.org/documents/PopulationShuffle.pdf.
“The population estimates released this year must serve as a wake-up call. Government leaders at all levels should work with business and academic leaders to address this apparent shift in our population,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “There is a tremendous amount at stake and we face long-term consequences if these estimates hold up.”
The 2010 Census will be used for drawing congressional, state legislative and local legislative districts. If current population trends continue New York State may lose two or three congressional seats following the next census.
By the Numbers (see attached map)
- 29 counties are projected to have lost population since the last census, 28 of them are located in Upstate New York.
- 10 additional counties grew at less than the State’s 1.7% growth rate since the 2000 Census.
- 23 counties experienced estimated growth of over the 1.7% rate.
- Only 3 counties exceed the national growth rate of 6.4% for the period (Orange 10.3%, Richmond 7.6%, Saratoga 7.4%).
- Most of the strong growth in New York is centered in the Hudson Valley area and NYC (Putnam 5%, Dutchess 5.4%, New York County 4.8%).
- The strongest growth in Upstate counties, other than Saratoga, occurred in Warren (4.4%), Ontario (4.1%), Seneca (4.1%) and Tompkins (4.0%).
- Biggest loss upstate occurred in the following counties; Hamilton (-4%), Chautauqua (-3.1%), Erie (-3%), Cattaraugus (-2.9%), Chemung (-2.7%), and Genesee (-2.6%).
The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.
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