The Demographics Subcommittee was appointed by the Steering Committee studying the consolidation of government or government functions for Winchester and Frederick County. Unlike the subcommittees appointed in Phase I (or to be appointed in Phase 2) which will develop plans for unifying specific government functions, the Demographic Subcommittee will be an ongoing subcommittee throughout the consolidation/unification process.

The primary responsibility of the Demographic Subcommittee will be to respond to requests from the Steering Committee or other subcommittees, securing information will assist in completing their reports.

During the first phase of the unification efforts, requests were received from the Public Opinion/Public Input (PO/PI) Subcommittee for population, race, workforce, and internet accessibility information. The Steering Committee had asked that information be developed which could be used in their discussions on overall government consolidation.

Based on these requests, a "Community Profile" was developed. This profile (shown below) provides information concerning current populations, projected populations through 2030, race, current school enrollment, employment, income, tax revenues and internet accessibility.

The sources of information used to develop the profile varied depending on what the subcommittee believed to be the best information available. The majority of the population information was secured from U.S. Census information. "DemograhicsNow", for example, is a subscription service providing timely, accurate and comprehensive market information analyses. The service provides access to current and past U.S. Census data, including data collected from the 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2005 projections. Tax revenue information was secured directly from the Finance Departments of the City and the County.

The internet accessibility information was an interesting projection. The Economic Development Commission, the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission, and a subcommittee member's research of United States data through an internet search all contributed to the internet availability estimate. Although the committee estimated that 70-75% of the areas household have access to the internet, 80+% of the area's population may have internet access through home, work, schools, library, and friends.

What is the importance of this information? First, for the PO/PI Subcommittee the population and work force information will assist them in forming the Committee of 100 who will review and comment on the various unification proposals. The demographic information will be used to insure that the Committee of 100 comprises a balanced cross section of the Winchester/Frederick County population, which will insure that all voices are heard in analyzing and reviewing the unification proposals.

The internet accessibility information is important because it confirms that the web site developed to present and explain the unification proposals will be a beneficial and important part of the unification process. As Rhoda Kriz pointed out in her open forum on February 4, 2006, the website, www.winchester-frederick.com, is available 24 hours a day. With 80% of area citizens having internet accessibility, there is no reason not to participate in this ongoing unification effort.

Finally, I believe this Community Profile, provides an excellent snapshot of our community which the Steering Committee should find to be beneficial as they discuss not only the unification of various City/County departments, but the overall consolidation of Winchester and Frederick County.

I would encourage all citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to follow and participate in the consolidation/unification of Winchester and Frederick County.