Mar 07, 2010
2010 Census Update
In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. The form has 10 short questions. Each person living in our area is asked to fill out the form, then mail it back in the postage-paid envelope provided. Anyone who does not return the form may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask the questions from the form.
The majority of the country will receive English–only materials. Households in areas with high concentrations of Spanish-speaking residents may receive a bilingual (English/Spanish) form. Any personal data provided is protected under federal law. The following is a list of selected frequently asked questions. You can find a complete list of questions and information at http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Census+2010/FAQ.htm.
What is the census?
The census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years.
Why do we have a census?
The U.S. Constitution mandates a headcount of everyone residing in the United States. Population totals determine each state's Congressional representation. The census is also used to allocate federal and state funding and redistrict state legislatures. As a result of the 2000 Census, North Carolina gained a seat in the House of Representatives.
Is my response confidential?
Yes. By law (Title 13, U.S. Code), the Census Bureau cannot share the answers that respondents provide with anyone or any other government agency. All Census Bureau employees take an oath to protect your information and any violation is subject to legal action if he or she discloses information that could identify you or your household.
Why should we participate?
If you live here, you count! All the things we learn about ourselves from the 2010 Census will help our community succeed in the future. When we participate, we say we count! A true count reflects the true America. The census offers a blueprint for our future. Ten easy questions can be answered in 10 minutes!
When and how do I respond?
Most households will receive the 2010 Census questionnaire by mail in early to mid-March 2010. Simply fill out the form and send it back.
If you need help filling out your Census 2010 form, you can contact the Census Bureau's Regional Office here in Charlotte by calling 704-424-6400.
Further, language assistance guides are available in 59 languages and a Teletext Device for the Deaf (TDD) program will help persons with hearing disabilities.
Households that do not receive a Census 2010 form by mail can get one by calling the Census Bureau's Regional Office here in Charlotte at 704-424-6400.
What if I don't respond by April 1?
The Census Bureau will send another questionnaire and then a postcard. If you still haven't responded by late May, a Census representative may come to your home to get your response.
Who should I include on my census form?
The person filling out the questionnaire should include information about all household members who live and sleep at the address most of the time. The person should also include people who are staying there on April 1, 2010, who have no permanent place to stay.
Where you reside on April 1, 2010 is where you need to be counted.
Do not include any family members living elsewhere on that date. They will be counted where they are living.
What is asked in the 2010 questionnaire?
You can view the census form online at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/.
Does the Census Bureau share information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service, courts or police?
No. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share the answers that respondents provide with anyone or any other government agency.
How does census data work for Charlotte-Mecklenburg?
Census data helps determine funding for public transportation, road rehabilitation and construction. Local governments use the data to plan budgets. Cities use the data to forecast future housing, transportation and infrastructure needs, as well as urban and land use planning.
The data also helps plan for medical and public facilities such as schools, libraries, hospitals, police and fire stations.
How does the census boost jobs in the economy?
Both the private sector and the government use the data to determine where jobs and job programs are needed. Last year alone, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce recruited over 12,000 new jobs; many of these companies were attracted to Charlotte based on census data.
Census data is also used to produce demographic surveys such as property values, median income and others. Population data also contributes to market research determining locations for commercial enterprises like grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and other essential services. Many of the marketing materials used by the Charlotte Chamber and other entities that help create jobs and relocate companies to the Charlotte region are based upon numbers obtained from the census.
How much federal funding is at stake?
Census data directly affects how more than $400 billion each year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, transportation and much more. That's more than $3 trillion over a 10-year period.
How does the Census Bureau count people who don't have a permanent residence?
Census Bureau workers make every effort to count people living in group quarters, such as college dormito-ries, apartments, military barracks, nursing homes and shelters, as well as those who have been displaced by natural disasters.
Why does the Census Bureau want our names and phone numbers?
The census form requests your name and phone number to help ensure people are not counted twice and to be able to call you if they can't understand your completed form.
Why does the Census Bureau ask about race and Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
The Census Bureau collects race data in accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Office of Manage-ment and Budget. Information on race is required for many federal programs and is used to assess health and environmental risks associated with specific race and ethnic groups.
The 2000 Census had a "long form;" what happened to that?
The long form is no longer part of the Decennial Census. The questions that were asked on the long form are now asked in the Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Where can I find more information about the 2010 Census?
Online you can visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/.
You can also contact the Census Bureau's Regional Office here in Charlotte by calling 704-424-6400.
