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March 30, 2001What's at stakeChanges in population mean more than just more or fewer people.In northwestern Michigan, townships that have gained population must contend with: - Increased demand for services, such as police, fire protection, health care, road repair, spring cleanups and schools. - Paying for those services, because property taxes are capped near the rate of inflation and additional millages are unpopular. Cities, meanwhile, that have lost population must contend with: - How to expand a tax base to keep up with rising costs for providing services. - Wrangling with townships on who should pay how much for shared services such as county parks. - A loss of political clout, as county commission districts will be redrawn to represent where the people are. Read more about the census: • 13-county region has grown 22 percent since 1990 count • Michigan’s top 10 population gainers, losers (map) • Michigan suburban migration accelerates • Region’s racial characteristics (chart) • Region’s population change (chart) • Cities' losses are townships' gains • Family enjoys life in small town • What's at stake with changing population • Large cities that lost or gained population (chart) • City and village populations (chart) • Quiet life entices familes to 'burbs • Native American numbers on rise • Aging citizens outpace younger generation • Population changes in region by county, city and township (chart) |
