AUGUST 2006

CAMConnect - Your Source for New Census Information

In August 2006, the U.S. Census released data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS) for cities of 65,000 people or more, including Camden.  The ACS sampled households in Camden throughout 2005.  Among the findings:

- Camden's median household income for 2005 was $18,007, the lowest in the country for cities with over 65,000 people.  Forty-four (44) percent of the population is estimated to live in poverty.

- The Mexican and Dominican populations of Camden appear to be increasing, while the African-American population appears to be decreasing.  CAMConnect's Executive Director Derek Ziegler was quoted in a Philadelphia Inquirer article about this data on August 15.

More information can be found at http://www.camconnect.org/CAMConnectACS2006.html  This website will be updated as new data and analysis become available.  CAMConnect will generate "Camden QuickFacts" summaries for interesting data.

Camden Numbers & Data Handout

CAMConnect has created an easy to understand document with various data in topics that include health, government, economics & education, and public safety. For instance, did you know that 47 percent of Camden’s population is under the age of 25? Or that crime in Camden declined between 2004 and 2005? These statistics are just some of the many important and eye-opening data included in this handout, which has been distributed at numerous community venues throughout the past month. 

"Tracking Camden's Progress" Focus of July Members Meeting

Many organizations similar to CAMConnect develop yearly indicators reports that track progress on data related to civic health and progress.

CAMConnect presented some of these data for Camden on July 21, including data on crime, health, and the municipal budget. Much of this information also will be incorporated into an updated version of CAMConnect's Camden Facts report, to be released in fall 2006. Stay tuned for more details on the next CAMConnect Members event, to be held in late November or early December of this year.  

New documents available on municipal governance

CAMConnect, using the Open Public Records Act, has continued to acquire a number of public documents containing information and data on the City of Camden.  Most recent documents posted include correspondence between the Chief Operating Officer of Camden (Randy Primas) and the State Department of Community Affairs (DCA).  This correspondence can be found at http://www.camconnect.org/resources/FY_06_Municipal_Budget.html