Rochester Hills, Michigan – The city’s participation in the 2010 Census has attracted the attention of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The city saw a dramatic increase in participation from 72% in 2000 to 86% in 2010 thanks to a concentrated effort during the 2010 Census gathering period. Mayor Bryan K. Barnett has been invited to outline his successful strategy at the upcoming U.S. Conference of Mayors in Baltimore MD.
To encourage participation in the 2010 Census, a 10-point outreach program was created by the city’s Complete Count Committee. From using social media like Facebook and Twitter, to local church support, and a city-wide door hanger campaign, where volunteers distributed more than 20,000 door hangers to the residents, city staff made sure that the message reached the public in every possible form.
“Approximately $8000 was spent in order to spread the message throughout the city,” said Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. Our focused strategy worked and our return on that simple investment will be more than a hundredfold.”
In the 2010 Census, the City of Rochester Hills finished first in Oakland County with an 86% response rate, finished second in the State of Michigan, and tied for 5th best in the nation just 2% behind the first place finishers!
As a result of the increased participation, the City of Rochester Hills will see an increase of $1.5 million in Federal funding over the next ten years.
Established in 1984, the City of Rochester Hills is a prosperous community offering residents and businesses superior services. Voted one of the top places to live by several sources including CNN Money magazine and RelocateAmerica.com, Rochester Hills is committed to sustaining its position among the nation’s preeminent places to live, work and raise a family. Through the city’s focus on health, education and technology, the community continues to attract forward-thinking leaders and businesses.
About Tom and Ann Gendich