The City of Franklin has announced its endeavor to conduct a 2025 Special Census starting in early October. This initiative is set to get an accurate count of its citizenry which will guide the planning process for city infrastructure, facilities, and services, as reported by WKRN. In efforts to reflect the substantial population growth since the 2020 Federal Census, officials aim to secure a more substantial portion of the state-shared revenues, which currently stands at approximately $175 per resident.
Residents should expect to receive census forms through mail, and on October 1, they have the option to populate their information via the city’s website. According to a statement obtained by Williamson Source, City Administrator Eric Stuckey emphasized the simplicity of the process, "It only takes a few minutes to fill in the form." Stuckey further highlighted the importance of the census, stating, "The only information we need is the first and last names of everyone in each household. This information is vital for us to get the City’s fair share of money from the state of Tennessee to pay for services to serve our growing population." Acknowledging the privacy concern, Stuckey assures that the collected data will be protected by the city.
If no response is received by mail or online by the deadline of October 25th, City of Franklin employees, designated as census takers, will be dispatched to collect data. These individuals can be recognized by their bright yellow vests and City identification badges, as highlighted by The NewsTN. In the city's commitment to accuracy and accountability, this extra step ensures that all residents are accounted for in the census count.
It is noted by officials that this is a city-initiated Special Census, not to be conflated with the federal census operations. The undertaking reflects Franklin’s proactive approach to fiscal responsibility and urban management. Amid their growth, Franklin joins other Middle Tennessee communities, such as Smyrna, Gallatin, and Goodlettsville, which have held special censuses, and Lebanon which conducted a similar tally from October 2023 through March 2024, resulting in nearly a $1 million increase in state funding for the city. With careful steps being taken by the city, residents are called upon to partake in a shared effort for the greater good of Franklin.
