The population of Baltimore City grew for the first time in nearly half a century, according to new estimates released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The city gained 897 residents in 2006, an increase heralded by Mayor Sheila Dixon as a change in momentum for a city plagued by declining population.
“Every day, all over the city I feel a renewal of energy and faith in Baltimore. There are so many positive and exciting things happening. The census results that show new citizens coming to Baltimore does not surprise me. I expect we?re going to see growth in Baltimore?s population for many years to come,” Dixon said Monday.
The increase makes the city eligible for $2 million more in federal aid, Dixon said.
The city?s population was estimated at 641,000 in 2006.
