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By Matthew Jones
The Virginian-Pilot
NORFOLK | Sometimes complaining works.
After an appeal from city officials, the Census Bureau now says Norfolk is growing after all.
The bureau estimates the city's 2006 population at 238,832, instead of its original estimate of 229,112. This change means Norfolk's population grew by about 8,000 compared to 2005, instead of declining by about 1,700.
"The revision by the Census Bureau, coupled with estimates provided by the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia, now show a thriving and growing city and dispel the notion that Norfolk's population is not increasing," City Manager Regina V.K. Williams said in a news release Friday. The city received the new estimate Tuesday.
The city and Census Bureau have argued over population estimates in recent years, with the city maintaining that the bureau's numbers don't take into account new housing in East Beach, Broad Creek, Ghent, downtown and other neighborhoods.
The city prefers the estimates provided by the Cooper Center - 236,092 in 2006 - because it incorporates data such as building permits and state tax returns.
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Proof that figures lie and liars figure
All you have to do is drive through Norfolk and that notion of a "thriving growing city" need no further statistic. Try dying shrinking slum. I ran from Norfolk (my home) after becoming fed up with local govt, out of control tax increases, local politicians drunk with our tax money pursuing pie in the sky baloney. Took my education, taxes, expendable income, community involvement, and everything else and fled to Atlanta which we absolutely love. Wonder if they still count us? My place there is now rental property as is much of my old neighborhood.
yeah, right
Take this survey again, and keep taking it until we get the results we're looking for!
Count the house
We have a house of the market now and we moved (a family of five). I guess we are being counted on the census too. As far as Broad Creek homes, that builders were selling for half a million was a total waste of time. Who would pay that type of money to live next to section eight housing. Now they want to tax us to death. It should be interesting to see how it pans out.
Nothing up my sleeve...
The magic of statistics: sum column A + a few extras from Z + political pressure = results we're now happy with and can show off to the media. A good analyst can make any number sing and dance.
this is a bogus account - we are joining the mass exodus
building permits determines population? i don't think so - look at all the vacant properties, they, norfolk gov. really think the citizens are as stupid as they. Bulldoze populated communities, e.o.v., broadcreek etc. and the folks that were there are not repalced by the same numbers, and the new areas have high vacancies presently, what a stupid stupid statement - i use to enjoy norfolk, everything norfolk but each day i'm hit upside the head with ridiculous actions and statements from those in gov. i have lost much satisfaction trying to be a good stewart for this city. I can no longer defend this backward plantation minded city and as soon as i can i am out of here, it offers nothing positive or better than neighboring cities, for sale!