To ensure a complete count and bolster local commerce, the City of Gallatin has launched an inventive giveaway campaign to urge residents to participate in the Gallatin Special Census. As part of the incentive, citizens who complete the census could win one of 24 $50 gift cards, a move intended to motivate the community and infuse funds back into the local economy. Since the campaign’s roll-out, Gallatin has seen its census participation climb to 39,711 as reported on December 17.
At the City Council's December 3 meeting, members green-lighted the giveaway, with a stipulation that the prize gift cards be procured from local establishments. "This initiative is a win-win for Gallatin," Special Census representative Gracie Perez commented. “We’re encouraging more people to complete the census while simultaneously supporting our local businesses.” Each week, two randomly chosen winners plucked from the pool of survey-completing residents will have their chance to collect a $50 gift card from an array of neighborhood vendors—ranging from eateries to boutiques.
The city has structured the contest so that each Friday, two local residents will be selected to win. The first recipient chose a gift card to Jonathan’s Grille, exemplifying the array of options available to participants. If a winner does not respond within two weeks, another name will be drawn. This ensures no reward goes unclaimed and keeps the cycle of local support turning.
The Special Census started in August 2024 and is expected to wrap up by February 2025. The count appears to be a critical financial matter for the city. "We believe many residents were not counted during the 2020 Federal Census because of many factors, including the pandemic,” explained Mayor Paige Brown. Due to the suspected undercount, the city has reportedly missed out on important state funding essential for various city services and infrastructures.
Residents have multiple channels through which they can participate in the census: online, by mail, or in person courtesy of a field representative. The city stresses that every individual counted equates to Gallatin receiving an extra $175 annually from the state. Interested locals can find the census survey at Gallatin’s official website, by scanning the provided QR code, or directly through the survey link.
