Battle For Title Of Largest City In NJ Coming Down To Wire – Newark, NJ Patch

NEWARK, NJ — The battle for the mantle of “largest city in New Jersey” is getting down to the nitty gritty. But which municipality – Newark or Jersey City – will emerge victorious when the U.S. Census ends later this month?

Or possibly, will there be a spoiler city that ekes them both out?

The U.S. Census Bureau recently announced it will be suspending counting efforts in New Jersey and other states a month earlier than originally planned. On Sept. 30, the bureau will stop door-knocking efforts and collecting responses online, over the phone and by mail.

To fill out the census, follow the link here.

The campaign has inspired a tongue-in-cheek rivalry between Newark and Jersey City, with each seeking to earn bragging rights as the state’s most populated municipality. According to the most recent census estimates, Newark had a population of 282,011. Jersey City had an estimated population of 262,075.

But Mayor Ras Baraka said there is far more at stake for Newark residents than just pride.

For example, the census determines how Congressional districts are drawn and how federal funds are appropriated. These funds touch nearly every aspect of life in Newark, including education, housing, healthcare and all other federal aid that flows into the city.

“We are at a time in history where it is more important than ever for Newark’s population to be accurately counted, so that our city and its residents can receive their fair share of federal aid and support, and that we are properly represented in the U.S. Congress and state Legislature,” Baraka said.

In Newark, officials have been trying creative ways to reach residents, who have been historically undercounted.

Last week, officials handed out $50 ShopRite gift cards to local families who haven’t completed their census yet, organizing events at the Newark Public Library and City Hall to try to boost numbers.

The city has also teamed up with the Newark Public Library to hold “Pop-Up Census Sites” in the lots and courtyards of three library branches.

Newark officials are also offering a $1,000 prize to the winner of their “Newark Census Selfie Contest, which runs until the end of September. The contest rules are simple: Fill out the Census form online, take a creative selfie as proof it has been completed, then email to NewarkCounts@gmail.com with a #NewarkCounts hashtag.

Essex County has also tried to boost census numbers in the Brick City.

In August, county officials organized a “census caravan” that passed through Newark and its neighboring cities of Irvington, Orange and East Orange. It included include a digital message board, a float with a DJ playing music and a mobile billboard.

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