 Census Day is April 1, 2010. During Census 2000, 72 percent of occupied households mailed back their forms. The U.S. Census Bureau is challenging communities to do even better.
The 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest in history: just 10 questions that only take about 10 minutes to complete. Census forms must be completed and returned between March 15 and April 15, 2010.
To find out how well communities have responded, click here.
Why is an accurate Census count so important?
- Federal and state funds are allocated based on Census data. An accurate count means your community gets its fair share of these funds for resources such as health care, education, and roads.
- Census data affect your voice. The Census determines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and is used in the redistricting of state legislatures, county and city councils, and voting districts.
- Taking the 2010 Census in Texas will create around 41,000 temporary employment opportunities, bringing many of those jobs to communities in North Central Texas.
How can your community partner with the Census Bureau to accomplish the nation’s goal of conducting an accurate, cost-effective 2010 Census? Our past experience shows that forming a Complete Count Committee is one of the most effective means of establishing the importance and credibility of the Census in local communities. Complete Count Committees are volunteer teams consisting of community leaders, faith-based groups, schools, businesses, media outlets and others who are appointed by elected officials and work together to make sure entire communities are counted.
Local governments can help promote the 2010 Census in their communities by:
- Recommending local people to promote the Census with their community.
- Budgeting money to promote Census participation in the community during the 2010 Census.
- Linking to the 2010 Census Web site for downloadable promotional items and the Dallas Regional Census Center Web site for Census jobs.
- Offering locations that can be used for testing and training of Census job applicants.
- Using 2010 Census drop-in articles, messages and logos in newspapers, newsletters, magazines, and other in-house communications (e-mail, Web site, etc.).
- Including reminders to fill out and return the Census questionnaire in utility bills and other residential mailings.
NCTCOG urges all communities to become involved in this most important endeavor. Please do this by appointing a staff liaison to work with Partnership staff at the Dallas Regional Census Center. Call 1-800-563-6499 for more information.
Promotional Materials [PDF]
Census 2010 Awareness Poster [7MB]
Action Item List
Community Fact Sheet
Elected Officials Fact Sheet
Become a 2010 Census Partner
Complete Count Committee Action Guide
2010 Census Timeline
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