US Census Bureau - Report on Housing for Aging Population

As the School Department looks at the demographics to determine the projected enrollment over the next ten years, one aspect of the 19 assumptions provided in the report, was a given turnover in housing to "maintain" a stable population.  Higher turnover could increase population, lower turnover could lessen population. 

Given our population is also growing older, aside from services provided by the Senior Center, do we have enough housing for the older population? This report on a US perspective takes a look at that aspect.

"The U.S. Census Bureau has released a new population report on the readiness of housing to meet the needs of the nation’s aging population. The report – Old Housing, New Needs: Is America’s Housing Ready for an Aging Population? – uses data from the 2011 American Housing Survey (AHS) to provide national-level estimates of housing units with aging-accessible features, such as handrails or grab bars in bathrooms, step-free entryways, and wheelchair-accessible kitchens, as well as geographic differences in the prevalence of homes with these features.

This report also examines the demographic and economic characteristics of households where older adults reported difficulty using these home features compared with households where older adults reported no such difficulty."

Shared from the US Census
https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2020/demo/p23-217.html

Download from the US Census page:
https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/demo/p23-217.pdf

Or the Franklin Matters copy:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aI3EyGi_Of0iCYvUSQKLNL7zPPlOu2VK/view?usp=sharing

US Census Bureau - Report on Housing for Aging Population

Let's beat our 2010 Census response rate this time around

"Recently, you should have received a census form. The US Census determines both State & Federal funding based on the information collected! Be counted! The census is quick, easy, and important, and all of your answers are confidential. 

Visit http://my2020census.gov today!"

We are currently (as of April 3) at 55.8%  As of 3/31 we were at 49.3% so we increased by about 6% in a few days.

In 2010 we responded with a 79.9% rate. Let's get well into the 80% rate this year!

The 2020 Census rate response interactive pagehttps://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

Let's beat our 2010 Census response rate this time around

 

FM #212 - School Committee meeting - demographics study 2/25/20 (audio)

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 212 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

The expected demographics study was presented during the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020. Expected? Yes, This is ONE key piece of the information that needs to be gathered and digested to enable the School Committee and community to make a decision on what needs to be done to prepare for enrollment and facilities.

The potential for closing the Davis Thayer school has been talked of off and on for several years. The work is now underway to look at that and what it would mean for the district and community as a whole.

The demographics study presented is ONE key piece of the information needed for such a decision. As outlined by Superintendent Sara Ahern at the end of the presentation segment, the SECOND key piece is expected in or around April as the facility analysis arrives from that consultant.

For our existing school facilities, what capacity do we have for students in each building based upon current or anticipated requirements? The capacity report should provide the answer to that question. One could go back to when each building was built and look at what it was designed for but the educational requirements have changed considerably since then. Davis Thayer for example, since it is the key item driving the question, was built as a high school and is now being used as an elementary school.

Along the course of the discussion you’ll hear James McKibben comment on space requirements. Note - this was not part of his charter, his was only to focus on the demographics - however, from his experience in working with other districts, he can say that due to special education requirements the space (that is, square foot requirements) per student will increase.

Pay attention to the assumptions, there are 19 of them. Mr McKibben counts a couple as more critical than others. The mortgage interest rate most would acknowledge as important. The lower it is, the more willing buyers will be. Of interest is the amount of existing home sales required to maintain our population. Per his calculations, 275 homes per year.

The presentation doc is linked in the show note so you can follow along.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/demographic-presentation

FPS Demographics Presentation from Franklin Matters

Assumed to be supporting documentation for the presentation
(was not referenced during the meeting but was posted to the packet web page)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/enrollment-forecast


More analysis and insights will be discussed over time as we all digest the numbers. The discussion runs about an hour and 10 minutes so without further ado, let’s listen in.   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-212-school-committee-meeting-demographics-study

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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like this, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.  I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

James McKibben presenting the demographics study to the School Committee

“the best census ever, one that is complete and accurate”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"With just a few months left before America starts taking its biggest-ever self-portrait, the U.S. Census Bureau is grappling with a host of concerns about the head count, including how to ensure that it is secure and accurate and the challenge of getting most people to answer questions online.

All of that is on top of the main attention-grabber of the 2020 census so far — a citizenship question that was nixed by the Supreme Court, dropped by the Trump administration, resuscitated briefly and then abandoned again.

Beginning early next year, residents from Barrow, Alaska, to Key West, Florida, will be quizzed on their sex, age, race, the type of home they have and how they are related to everyone living with them.

At stake is the balance of political power in a deeply divided country, billions of dollars a year in federal funding and population data that will shape business decisions nationwide for years to come."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20190827/greatest-head-count-in-us-history-2020-census-is-nearly-ready-for-launch

Learn more at  Census 2020  https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census.html

Baseball is Back! All 30 Teams Play on Opening Day

From the US Census Bureau comes the following graphic on the American baseball teams and their respective metropolitan audience.

The national pastime comes to us courtesy of 29 teams from 25 metropolitan areas across the United States and one team from Canada (Toronto).

The four metro areas with two teams each are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago — the nation’s three most populous — and San Francisco-Oakland (the 12th most populous).

Baseball is Back! All 30 Teams Play on Opening Day

Shared from the US Census Bureau

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/2395ff8

Play the Census Bureau's Population Bracketology Game

Test your knowledge of population data! How close can you get to a perfect score of 63? Mouse-over results for the latest population estimates.

Play the Population Bracketology Game Test your knowledge of population data! Start by choosing your geographic level: metro areas or states. Click on the name in each match-up that you think has the larger population. Green shows a correct answer, red indicates an incorrect answer. When you have opposing names picked for the next round, pick again.  How close can you get to a perfect score of 63? When you are finished, play again or mouse-over results to view the most current population estimates for each pair. https://www.census.gov/dataviz/visualizations/057/ Here are the data sources we used to build this data visualization: Metropolitan Area Definitions Population Estimates Vintage 2018 International Data Base Winners in each metro area match-up are based on a comparison of the July 1, 2017 population estimates. Metro areas included are the 64 most populous (based on 2017 population) in the 50 states and District of Columbia. Help us spread the word about the Census Bureau's Population Bracketology game! https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/238b37f Get Answers to Your Data Questions We're here to help you get the most out of Census Bureau data. If you have a question, visit Ask Census.gov or give us a call at 1-800-923-8282 (TTY 1-800-877-8339). You can also connect with us on social media.

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This is an official email from the U.S. Census Bureau. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us (https://www.census.gov/about/contact-us.html).

In the News: MA fastest growing population in New England; dog leashes required for MassWildlife lands

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts is the fastest growing state in the Northeast — with many of its newest residents coming from other countries. 

That’s according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau. 

Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin said the numbers show Massachusetts is growing twice as fast as it did in the previous decade. 

New data released on Wednesday showed that the population in Massachusetts grew by 38,903 people to 6.9 million between July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2018. The 0.6 percent growth rate equaled the population growth in the country, and ranked Massachusetts 22nd among all other states and first in New England."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181220/massachusetts-fastest-growing-state-in-northeast

State Population Change: 2010 to 2018 [Source: U.S. Census Bureau]

"As in the past, MassWildlife will allow dogs on wildlife management areas across the state, but as of Jan. 11, regulations will require that dogs be leashed. 

Dog owners will also be required to clean up all dog fecal matter. 

Specifically, dogs must be on a physical leash or tether while on wildlife management property. 

According to MassWildlife, the leashing requirement decreases potential conflicts with people and other dogs, providing a safer and more positive experience for all."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181220/effective-jan-11-dogs-on-masswildlife-land-must-be-leashed

For additional info visit the MassWildlife page
https://www.mass.gov/news/new-dog-regulations-take-effect-on-wmas-january-11-2019

Dogs and other domestic animals must be on a physical leash/tether (MassWildlife photo)

US Census: July 15th is National Ice Cream Day!

"Did you know there are 458 ice cream and frozen dessert makers throughout the United States? 

Explore our State Facts for Students tool with your students to find out how many of these frozen treat makers are in their state. 

For some added fun, have students guess the amount before displaying the correct answer. They can even compare the results to other states!"

July 15th is National Ice Cream Day!

State Facts link
https://www.census.gov/schools/facts/?eml=gd&utm_campaign=20180712mssiss1ccpuprs&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Massachusetts

MA State Facts link
https://www.census.gov/schools/facts/massachusetts

"boomers leave a substantial imprint on the population"

From the US Census Bureau:

"In less than two decades, the graying of America will be inescapable: Older adults are projected to outnumber kids for the first time in U.S. history. 

Already, the middle-aged outnumber children, but the country will reach a new milestone in 2035. That year, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that older adults will edge out children in population size: People age 65 and over are expected to number 78.0 million, while children under age 18 will number 76.4 million.

.....

With this swelling number of older adults, the country could see greater demands for healthcare, in-home caregiving and assisted living facilities. It could also affect Social Security. We project three-and-a-half working-age adults for every older person eligible for Social Security in 2020. By 2060, that number is expected to fall to two-and-a-half working-age adults for every older person.

If the trends continue, the U.S. is fast heading towards a demographic first. It will become grayer than ever before as older adults outnumber kids."

https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2018/03/graying-america.html




Yes, I'll admit to being of the baby boomer generation. There is no denying that. The implications of this population change will affect Franklin over the next several years/decades. The Senior Center has been expanded while the school enrollment has fallen. What else will change? A good topic for discussion as the budget cycle begins.

"the gender gap in wages narrowed last year for the first time since 2007"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In a stark reminder of the damage done by the Great Recession and of the modest recovery that followed, the median American household last year finally earned more than it did in 1999. 

Incomes for a typical U.S. household, adjusted for inflation, rose 3.2 percent from 2015 to 2016 to $59,039, the Census Bureau said. The median is the point at which half the households fall below and half are above. 

Last year’s figure is slightly above the previous peak of $58,665, reached in 1999. It is also the first time since the recession ended in 2009 that the typical household earned more than it did in 2007, when the recession began. 

Trudi Renwick, the bureau’s assistant division chief, cautioned that the census in 2013 changed how it asks households about income, making historical comparisons less than precise. 

Still, the Census data is closely watched because of its comprehensive nature. It is based on interviews with 70,000 households and includes detailed data on incomes and poverty across a range of demographic groups."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20170912/american-household-income-finally-topped-1999-peak-last-year

Census.gov is a welcoming website chock full of information. Every time I visit, I have to be careful not to get lost following the info and the various paths it can lead.

Franklin's quick stats can be found here
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/franklintowncitymassachusetts,MA/PST045216

 Franklin's quick stats can be found here

AARP Livability Index - leaves out Franklin

Given Franklin's demographics (forecasted to be getting to an older population rapidly), the AARP article caught my eye.

To compile AARP’s new lists of the most livable places in the U.S., it wasn’t only our research that counted—it was also your opinions. The top-10 lists that follow are based on the AARP Livability Index, a new online tool designed to help communities better serve the nation’s aging population. 

To create the index, the AARP Public Policy Institute surveyed 4,500 Americans 50 and older to determine the aspects of community most important to them. We then developed seven categories around those results—housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, engagement and opportunity, taking into account 60 different factors to rate communities in those categories. 

The Bulletin crunched the numbers some more to find which cities and neighborhoods come out on top. We weren’t looking for the trendy or glitzy. We wanted the most livable. You might be in for some surprises.

One surprise is that Franklin gets only a middling score on their rating system.

Check out their Most Livable Cities

Check out their Best Cities for Staying Healthy

And where does Franklin rate?

If you’re like most of us, you probably want to stay in the community where you live now. The AARP Livability Index identifies how well your community is doing. Go to aarp.org/livabilityindex to find out.

The interactive system should allow you to chose up to three communities to compare. Maybe there were too many comparing when I did it, it did not respond. Trying again should be worth it. 

FHS to open with more students

The new Franklin High School is slated to open with about 1,719 students as of the enrollment at the end of July. You may recall that the school year ended with a student population in the old school building of only 1,624.

community entrance to the new FHS for gym and auditorium access

The school population across the district has dropped again to 5,628 down from 5,778 at the end of June.

You can view the full enrollment details by grade by school across the district comparing June 2014 to July 2014 here




The major drop in the district population is found in the elementary levels. Recall that the major recession started in late 2008. The decline in students now is likely due to a decline in births given the uncertain economy.

Franklin has the most registed voters since 1982!

While the history shows that Franklin has passed only half of the debt exclusions offered to it and only one of the override questions, the numbers also show that Franklin today is different.

Franklin's population as of the end of 2009 had grown over 3,000 since the last debt exclusion in October 2000 and over 600 since the override in 2008.

It is note worthy that the percentage of population which is registered to vote stands at its highest percentage (60.5%).  The lowest percent of the population to register to vote occurred in both 1986 and 1987 at 48.1%. 

History has also shown us that a debt exclusion can pass with as little as 2.4% of the voters turning out to the polls and as many as 52.7%.

On the override side, the only one that passed succeeded with a 47.2% turnout. The override votes that failed did so with as little as 26.4% turning out and as much as 56.4% turning out.

Note: the data of population and registered voters come from the official Franklin records as provided by Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri and covers the years 1982 through 2009.

Note: the chart depicts the population with red/maroon columns, the voters with the light blue columns. Both population and voters columns should be read against the left scale. The right scale shows the percent of voters as of the total population and is depicted in the yellow line.