"Today's update of census data indicates that - despite the continued national economic downturn that's causing many cities around the country to shrink - New York City's population continues to grow to record highs. Since 2000, the City's population has grown by more than 383,000 people and is close to 8.4 million people, with each borough growing by at least 3.5 percent. That's great news for our City's economy and a tribute to everyone who is working to improve our city's quality of life and help New Yorkers live longer. The next official population count for New York City will come from the 2010 census effort currently underway, and we're urging all New Yorkers to stand up and be counted."