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MPC Ensures Accurate Census Data
In 2008, MPC and KGIS sent the Census Bureau a database of all addresses in the city and county as part of the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) Program, which utilizes the expertise of local government to improve the accuracy and completeness of the address list used to take the census.
After reviewing the 12,251 new addresses MPC provided, the bureau returned any addresses that they could not confirm. MPC staff worked studiously to appeal these addresses by providing data to ensure the bureau that these are valid addresses. Using information from the property assessor, aerial photos and additional descriptive notes, MPC has confirmed approximately 669 addresses in Knox County, outside of the city, that were initially rejected, but should be added back to the Census Bureau address list.
MPC staff is working with county data only, the area outside the city limits. The city is confirming an additional 786 addresses within the city limits. Both efforts will result in a more accurate Census count, bringing more federal dollars to local government. MPC will also complete a report with a separate count of all new construction after March 2009.
Since federal money is distributed based on population data a complete count is vital.
Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state, local and tribal governments based on census data. Additionally, significant amounts of state-generated funds are distributed on the basis of population data. Other statistical census data support grant applications that fund community, social, economic and environmental programs.
The census also provides information about how our communities are changing that is crucial to many planning decisions such as public health, education, transportation, senior centers and other services. Census data aids in the decision-making process of countless government programs that guide state and local economic development, such as determining priorities for investment in public infrastructure and identifying the needs of major metropolitan areas.
Conducted every 10 years, the census is one of the largest efforts the federal government undertakes. Data from the census is used to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives and for the subsequent redistricting of state and local governments.
A complete and accurate address list is essential to a compete and accurate census. MPC staff has spent countless hours to ensure a complete count of Knox County.
Since it is vital that everyone is counted, more than 130 million addresses across the nation will receive a census form in March 2010 and it is vital that everyone is counted including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens.
The 2010 census also will bring jobs to the local communities. About 1.4 million temporary workers will be needed throughout the next year to fill a variety of census positions across the county.
Census Facts
The 2010 Census has one of the shortest census forms in history. it asks 10 questions and should take only 10 minutes. |
Since the 1964 Supreme Court decision requiring all state legislative bodies be apportioned on the basis of “one person, one vote,” census data has been used by most states to reapportion their legislatures.
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Completing and returning a form is the most efficient way to participate in the census. Census workers must visit every household that does not return a census form. |
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