DC Census Results Hold GW Ramifications

Some may remember the University's campaign last Spring to get students to fill out U.S. Census forms. Though many students may not have seen the significance of the effort at the time, population data has a large effect on the District, as evidenced by the recently released Census 2010 data. Students have helped propel Washington DC's population to upwards of 600,000 people for the first time ever and GW's on campus population climbed to 20,000, up from 17,000 in 2000.

However, some of the most interesting insight gained from this data is that DC needs to redistrict. By law each of DC's eight wards must have roughly equal populations, plus or minus 5%. Currently Ward two, the home of GW, is too large, while Wards seven and eight, located mostly south of the Anacostia River, are too small. While the ideal ward size should be around 75,000 people, ward two has almost 80,000 residents.

The impending redistricting and shrinking of ward two may affect campus life in the future. As a result of redistricting, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) district lines will be redrawn. It is these commissions, which could most impact campus life. ANC's provide representation for their population to various parts of DC government, giving input on new laws and regulations.

GW resides in one ANC represented by three single member districts. Historically, GW and the greater Foggy Bottom/West End neighborhood have been at odds on many initiatives and a lack of student representation in these redrawn districts could negatively affect campus life. A recently passed noise law, which caused anger amongst the DC student population, shows why some students may feel their interests are not being represented. The office of Jack Evans, the councilmember representing ward two could not provide specifics on how student populations will be factored into ANC redistricting.

As the redistricting process goes into full swing over the next few weeks, hearings will be held in order to give residents a forum to voice their comments and concerns. Students are welcome to participate in the discussions and some students even serve on ANCs. Both Georgetown and American have students representing their respective ANCs while GW has a former student on the local ANC.