Survey to seek data for median income in Avalon. Census data accuracy in doubt
The City Council recently awarded a contract to Zilo International Group LLC to conduct an Avalon Median Income Survey. The vote was unanimous.
City Manager David Maistros told the council that they were thinking of doing the survey at the beginning of the school year. He argued the survey would be able to capture the majority of residents at that time.
The cost would be a maximum of $35,000.
“The City of Avalon actively pursues state and federal grant opportunities to assist with City identified unfunded projects and programs. Many funding agencies utilize US Census income data to determine grant eligibility and funding reimbursement levels,” according to the June 27 staff report by Assistant City Manager Jocelyn Francis.
“The current City of Avalon Median Household Income (MHI), per the 2021 US Census American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, is $77,644 (+1- $18,531),” Francis wrote.
“Staff believes this does not accurately capture the City of Avalon’s true MHI. In order to resolve this discrepancy, City Staff are recommending completing a Community Wide Survey,” Francis wrote.
“On April 5, 2023, City staff issued a Request for Proposal for professional services to conduct a Community Wide Survey for the City of Avalon,” Francis wrote.
“Despite advertising for the services, only one proposal, from Zilo International Group LLC, was received,” Francis wrote.
“City staff reviewed the proposal and received a presentation, concluding Zilo International Group LLC is well-qualified,” Francis wrote.
“The firm has experience working with cities and other public agencies in completing a wide variety of surveys, including community surveys,” Francis wrote.
“The survey has been budgeted in the FY2023/24 General Fund Operating Budget and will assist City Staff with a broader range of grant opportunities,” Francis wrote.
Councilmember Michael Ponce said he heard that morning that in Los Angeles, making $70,000 a year is considered low income.
