The initial numbers from the 2020 Census data are out, and Philadelphia has experienced a 5.1% growth. Gains in the Hispanic and Asian populations are responsible for driving this growth, with 36% and 39% respective increases in each group. Philadelphia is growing in both its size and diversity. 

As City leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are holistically addressing the needs of the public that we serve, and that includes when populations shift and grow, and being finely attuned to these dynamics and tensions. The needs of the community last year were loud and pronounced as many in our city experienced a racial awakening through the deeply painful tragedy of George Floyd’s murder. Similarly, the tragedy in Atlanta that impacted the AAPI community nationally forced us to really look at our inequitable systems and structures. 

Learn more about the 2020 Census shifts, and what that means towards building a more equitable city below.