Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a headcount of every person living in the United States. This is mandated in the U.S. Constitution, and requires extraordinary outreach and coordination efforts across the country. A simple ten question form was mailed to each residence in March of 2010.
Census forms are now being counted at national processing centers, with the expectation that final numbers will be delivered to the President in December. In March of 2011, all states will have received the data as well to enable boundaries for Congressional districts to be redrawn according to new population figures.
Key benefits from the Census can be seen in our own community. The Census helps determine the number of seats California has in the U.S. House of Representatives. It also has a direct dollar effect in Sacramento County. Federal funds for a wide variety of programs, from job training, public works and emergency services, are allocated based upon the number of residents in each County. With that in mind, it becomes critical for each jurisdiction to help ensure that all residents are counted, which is why we held so many outreach events in 2010 to encourage people to participate.
For more information regarding Sacramento County’s role and partnership in the 2010 Census, please contact the County Communication and Media Director.