As given by the question
There are given that the function
Now,
When f(x) = a(b)^x, a represent the starting value, b represent change and x represent time.
The population began in 2014 (x=0).
This makes the equation equal to 1686, which is your starting value and population 20000.
Then, 1.037 means that the initial value is multiplied by 1.037% each year
Therefore,, there 3% increase.