In 2015, the U.S. Census made some changes to its methodology for estimating city populations. The city of Ralston, a suburb of Omaha, provides a case study for the effect of the changes.
"The latest batch of U.S. Census Bureau estimates came with a surprise for landlocked Ralston: The Omaha suburb was No. 2 on the list of the 10 fastest-growing cities in Nebraska," reports the BH Media New Service for the Ralston Recorder.
But there's a catch, according to David Drozd, research coordinator for the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
The sudden appearance on the list is because of a Census Bureau mistake, he said. More specifically, it’s because in correcting a different mistake, the Census Bureau inadvertently created a new mistake in Ralston’s population estimate.
The mistake arises from changes made by the Census Bureau's to the methodology of its population estimates. In 2015, the Census Bureau realized it was realizing too much on building permits to calculate populations.
For more on the most recent release of the population estimates, read Planetizen's round up of news on the data release.
FULL STORY: Ralston's population boom turns out to be just a Census Bureau glitch
The 15 Fastest-Growing Cities in the US
The U.S. Census Bureau released new 2023 population estimates on May 16 showing a slew of data for cities of all sizes and regions. Do you know the population change last year for the 15 largest cities in your state?
California Continues its Losing Streak
California's population continued to shrink for a third consecutive year according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimates for the year ending July 2022, but business columnist Jonathan Lansner saw glimmers of hope in the data.
U.S. Population Growing Again in 2022 After Flatlining in 2021
The U.S. Census released new population estimates last week, showing an increase in population growth just a year after national population growth crawled to an unprecedented halt.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service