Well it looks like a rumble folks! Maybe even a skirmish! A “friendly competition” you ask? Yesterday Mayor Patti Garrett of Decatur and Mayor Jonathan Elmore of Avondale Estates met at the border and things did not go well. In a heated exchange they were heard criticizing each other’s noise ordinances and threatening to arm wrestle over public art. But the real point of contention was about who would have a higher response rate in the 2020 Census. So here today at this hour the challenge is being levied by the City of Decatur to its neighbor of Avondale Estates – try your best to beat our response rate by the end of the counting period on 9/30/2020. This one’s worth fighting for!

Our two fine DeKalb County gem cities are neck in neck right now with their census response rates (Decatur = 74.1% and Avondale Estates = 74.6%). Does Avondale Estates “have the right stuff” to best its longtime friend and neighbor, the City of Decatur? That’s the question on the table, dear residents, and we know who’s ready to be counted! Much is at stake and iron sharpens iron.

What do we win?

Here’s the deal, every person counts! By responding to the census each resident ensures that Georgians receive their appropriate share of over $675 billion in federal aid that is distributed to state and local governments using Census numbers every year. These monies support a host of projects that are instrumental in keeping us safe and improving our quality of life right here at home. Census data is also used for federal, state, and local funding distributions, intergovernmental agreements drawing state and federal legislative districts, school districts, and congressional reapportionment. As a result of the 2010 population count, Georgia gained a congressional seat. The 2010 Census yielded a count of 9,687,653 people in Georgia and provided the state with $15.88 billion. Each Georgian that participated in the 2010 Census effectively brought $1,639.10 to the state.

What do we really win?

Decatur will certainly win some bragging rights first and foremost. The details of the championship prize(s) are being worked out now. Ideas are welcome! If they lose should Avondale Estates have to brew a craft beer and name it after us – a 30030 IPA? Or if Decatur loses we may have to hang a large banner at City Hall congratulating Avondale Estates and our mayor will have to post on social media a top 10 list of her favorite things about their city. Let’s not make her do that!

Let’s get started!

Here’s how we win this thing and also meet our stretch goal for the 2020 Census!

1. Visit 2020census.gov to find out everything you need to know and to respond for your household 2. Visit https://countallkids.org/fixing-an-incorrect-census-submission/ if you need instructions on how to make changes to the response you already submitted

3. Share the link widely through your network via any social media channels you use

4. Place a sign in your yard to alert neighbors to the Census count

5. Visit www.decaturga.com/census find out more and help us super charge the census count the City of Decatur