The City of Ames has grown into a metropolis.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported March 12 that Ames had a population of 50,731 in 2000. This is an increase of 3,533 residents from the 1990 census.

Mayor Ted Tedesco said he wasn’t surprised by the census results.

“I think we’ve been over 50,000 for some time,” he said. “It’s been a matter of getting an accurate account.”

Tedesco said ISU students and other Ames residents played an important role in the results, and there are more people because of increased opportunities for area residents.

Another factor was the number of ISU students claiming Ames as their permanent residence. Tedesco said census rules say residence is where a person lives most of the year, making students residents of the community.

“I think that’s rightfully so because students use the facilities and you have to provide more road, sewer and water capacities,” he said.

City Manger Steve Schainker said students played a major role in the city’s upgrade to metropolitan status.

“It was important that the students participated in the census, and we’re very thankful they participated,” he said.

Schainker said the city encouraged residents to participate in the census with airline ticket drawings and cash prizes for turning in their census forms.

Tedesco said the city will now also be eligible for more reimbursement monies from government programs. He said about $160,000 could be received in road use tax funds, which could improve the quality of life or mean fewer taxes in the future.

“The grants could relieve pressure on citizens or provide additional opportunities for them,” Tedesco said.

Schainker said Ames won’t actually have metropolis status for about a year and will not receive grants for road work or community development until 2002 or 2003 at the earliest.

Schainker also anticipates more businesses such as restaurants, retailers and entertainment vendors wanting to come to Ames.

“I think some of the largest corporations make decisions based on the size,” he said. “Some of them have limits on size and look to locate in metropolitan areas.”