The United States Constitution requires
a census every 10 years to determine how many
people reside in the country. The government
uses the census for apportioning representation
and distributing funds.
This March, every household in the country will
receive a census questionnaire. To ensure an
accurate and fair count of all populations
in the nation, the Census Bureau needs you
or someone in your household to respond to
the census questionnaire.
It’s
Important. Besides determining
boundaries for state and local legislative
and congressional districts, the 2010 Census
will help communities receive their fair
share of federal funds per year for things
like:
•
Hospitals
•
Job training centers
•
Schools
•
Senior centers
•
Bridges, tunnels
and other public works projects
•
Emergency services
It’s
Easy. With only 10 questions,
the 2010 Census questionnaire takes approximately
10 minutes to complete and return by postage-paid
mail. Households are asked to provide key
demographic information, including:
whether your housing unit is rented or
owned; the address of the residence; and
the names, genders, ages and races of those
living in the household. You can preview
the 10-question form by clicking here.
More detailed socioeconomic information previously
collected through the decennial census will
be asked of a small percentage of the population through
the annual
American Community
Survey. To learn more about the American
Community Survey, visit www.census.gov/acs/www/.
If you don’t
mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker,
who will ask you the questions from the form. The census taker
will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag,
and a confidentiality notice. You will be asked only the questions
on the census form.
The
Census Bureau will not contact you by
e-mail, nor can the form be filled out
online.
It’s
Confidential. By law,
the Census Bureau cannot share an
individual’s responses with
anyone, including other federal agencies
and law enforcement entities. All
Census Bureau employees have taken
an oath to protect
confidentiality and are subject to
a jail term, a fine, or both for
disclosing
any information that could identify
a respondent or household.
It
is a federal offense for anyone to pretend
to represent the Census Bureau. Before
your household receives a mailed form,
a phone call, or a visit from the Census
Bureau, you will be given a few days’ notice
with a letter from the Census Bureau
Director.
The census is like a snapshot that
helps define who we are as a nation. Data about changes in
Harris County are crucial to the many planning decisions that
will affect everyday life for each of us in the coming decade.
For a Harris County fact sheet taken from
the last census, click here.
Participation
isn't just important—it's
mandatory.
February – March 2010
March – April 2010
April 1, 2010
Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered
to households.
Be Counted program
is implemented. Census questionnaires are available at
select public sites for individuals who did not receive
one by mail.
CENSUS DAY
May – July 2010
Dec. 31, 2010
March 2011
Census takers visit households that did not return a
questionnaire by mail.
By law, the Census Bureau delivers
population counts to the President.
By law, the Census Bureau completes
delivery of redistricting data to states.
Photographs and
Information by the U.S. Census Bureau,
Public
Information Office, and the Census Bureau Web
site, www.census.gov.
The first year’s conference in 2009
focused on our neighbor and economic partner, Mexico. The
2010 conference will highlight Brazil, a natural trading
partner with Harris County. A country headed for the top
tier among global economies, Brazil’s $1.3 trillion
economy is bigger than those of India and Russia, and
its per-capita income is nearly twice that of China.
With
the Texas Gulf Coast poised to become the “gateway
to North America,” Harris County,
the third largest county in the United States, is looking – along
with its surrounding counties – to take steps
now to prepare. The Port of Houston and
other
Texas ports will need efficient transportation and
adequate infrastructure
to meet the growing demands. In addition to building
infrastructure and improving the overall transportation
network, our region
must build relationships with current and future trading
partners.
This conference is geared for those with
a specific interest in trade with Brazil, the future of
our region, or a general interest in international transportation
and logistics. Click here for a look at the conference
agenda.
