By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers.

59 percent census return rate: Did you know that census responses do more than simply provide us with useful data? Because some federal funding is population based, census responses help determine how much money Somerville receives in some cases. These funds help pay for City programs and services and you can help ensure your city receives its fair share simply by returning your census form. Returning your completed census form is also important because it keeps you on the voter rolls. When inactive voters do not return their census form, the State may invalidate your voter registration. Last year, 59 percent of Somerville residents returned theirs, which is better than most area towns. But surely we can do better.

The 2018 census forms were sent out in late January, and as of February 12, we have received nearly 8 percent or 4,980 responses. I challenge you, Somerville, to surpass last year’s return rate. Help the City ensure our population data is accurate and return your 2018 census form to the City by emailing census@somervillema.gov or faxing it to 617-625-5643. Blank forms can be found at www.somervillema.gov/vote by clicking on the ‘Census’ tab.

More than 12,000 hours of requested field use: It’s no secret that there’s a high demand and limited supply for field space in our 4.1-square mile city. In fact, more than 12,000 hours of field use was requested last year alone. Although our Parks and Rec Department permitted more than 9,000 hours of field use across City-maintained fields in 2017, we were left with more than 3,000 hours of unmet demand. Of the permits granted, 72 percent of them were for youth groups or events (and the vast majority of adult uses were after 8 p.m., meaning adults are not competing for field space with youth teams).

There’s no magic answer or silver bullet to solve the supply and demand challenge at hand, but we’re constantly in discussions exploring creative alternatives. With new fields like the Winter Hill Community School Field and the athletic field being built as a part of the new Somerville High School project, we’re working to chip away at some of the unmet demand.

15 percent reduction in burglaries: Examining end-of-year police data shows a 15 percent reduction in burglaries from 2016 to 2017. While the number of incidents is down, data shows similar trends in burglary type, target, entry methods, and property stolen between the years. Residential burglaries were most common in 2017, making up 86 percent of the total incidents. The majority of burglaries last year were considered ‘No Force’ entries like entering through an unlocked door or window, and small electronics topped the list of most common property stolen.

Of course our goal is to have no burglaries, and the Somerville Police Department is always working toward that, but here are a few steps they suggest you can take to protect yourself and your property. Ensure that all windows and common doors lock and remain locked at all times (including doors to back hallways, basements, patios, and windows where an AC is installed). Use deadbolts on outside doors as pushbutton locks are easy for burglars to open. Consider a home security system as they have become more affordable over the past several years. Register your electronics where possible. Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day. Be cautious about what you are setting on the street for trash and recycling pickup. For example, a flat screen TV box announces to potential burglars that you have a brand new TV. And don’t leave a spare key hidden outside.

32 percent more snow calls: During our first – and thankfully only – snow emergency of the season, 311 fielded more than 1,500 total calls related to snow. It was a big storm and presented some unique challenges for us all, but for perspective, that’s 32 percent more calls than we received during both of the snow emergencies in February 2017 combined. And for the real winter test, it’s slightly more calls than 311 took during the first snow emergency of the historic 2015 season.

It wasn’t just the snow that led to more calls for 311. During the two weeks of record-breaking cold in late December and early January, 24 calls came in for no heat or hot water. That’s more than double the 10 calls received on the same issue for the entire last winter season. We seem to be past our coldest spell, but it’s important to remember that if you lose heat or hot water you can call 311, and they’ll work with the Inspectional Services and Health and Human Services Departments to rectify the situation and make sure everyone in the home stays safe and warm.

Data-based decision making is at the core of how the City of Somerville develops policy and sets priorities. Every day we check the latest 311 stats, and throughout the week we meet for in-depth review of departmental data and city trends. The monthly Data Download column shares some of the data we’ve been reviewing recently, as well as interesting updates. To see more Somerville Data, visit the online Somerville Data Farm at http://www.somervillema.gov/datafarm/.