Albany expects to receive extra federal money for transportation and low-income housing projects if the city can top the 50,000 population mark when census numbers are tallied next year.

Albany receives some federal funds now but primarily by requesting them. As an “entitlement” community, money simply would be allocated.

As of July 1, Albany’s population estimate was 49,165, according to the Portland State University Population Research Center. The center has just issued preliminary population estimates for cities, counties and the state.

To ensure that Albany reaches the magic 50,000 number, city officials are encouraging everyone to fill out census forms by the deadline next April 1, said Mayor Sharon Konopa.

“A complete count is vitally important to the economic and social health of the community,” she said. Konopa expects the city could be in line to receive between $1 million and $1.5 million in federal funds for low-income housing programs.

There is a question, however, whether Albany would get the money even if it the community reaches 50,000 people.

A bill is pending in Congress that would push that entitlement threshold up to 100,000 people, said City Manager Wes Hare.

“That would be a stroke of bad fortune,” he said.

If Albany does get the housing portion of the federal funds, the money would help low-income people get into transitional housing.

Money also could be used to revitalize neighborhoods, improve community facilities, acquire property, rehabilitate residential and non-residential structures, implement activities related to energy conservation and renewable energy resources, and help businesses with job creation and retention.

Federal transportation money could be used in part to set up long-range transportation goals, upgrade streets and improve transit programs.

Census forms will be mailed out near the end of March, giving people two weeks to fill them out.

“If you don’t mail them back, census workers will visit you,” said city spokeswoman Marilyn Smith.

“Workers also will be out counting the homeless and people in homeless shelters, jails, hospitals and schools,” she said.