Spirit

Getting Ready for the 2010 Census

The 2010 Census will be sent out to all residents next year but the U.S. Census Bureau is already gearing up and has hundreds of temporary jobs available. (See Census 2010 website for more details.) 

The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years and awards more than $300 billion in federal funding to states and communities based on census data.

“The Census is just so important to Elgin,” said Mayor Ed Schock.  “The federal government

distributes hundreds of billions of dollars to states and local governments based on collected Census data.  If the data isn’t correct, it affects the amount of federal dollars that is distributed to Elgin for the next 10 years.”

Federal funding for education, public safety, transportation, community development and social service are funneled to Elgin because of Census data.  The decennial Census is the Census that also directly determines how many congressional and council seats will be open.   Developers also use Census data to determine where to locate retail and other businesses.

It is expected that two new seats on the Council will be opened because Elgin’s population already tops more than 100,000.  Elgin did a special Census for new growth areas last year and the population count was 105,500.  Special Census’ are not used to officially change funding levels or add or subtract federal or local seats, however.

“The decennial Census is what is used to officially change funding levels and add Council seats,” said Schock..  “Data must be accurate.”

 The City is in the process of establishing a local committee to ensure everyone is counted and will be working collaboratively with the Gail Borden Public Library to get the word out.

“Everyone needs to be counted,” said Schock.  “Outreach activities to ensure everyone understands how critical the Census is will also be important.”