The census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is conducted every 10 years as mandated by the United States Constitution Article 1, Section 2. The census is the foundation for measuring the nation’s population and includes all persons dwelling in the U.S. residential structures, including citizens and non-citizens. The 2010 census will offer the State of Florida an opportunity to receive its fair share in federal funding for the state, its counties and its cities over the next decade. The census is also used to determine the number of seats the State of Florida has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
An accurate census count is critical to the future planning and implementation of Florida’s future infrastructure and public services. For example, in fiscal year 2000, 85% of federal government grants to state and local governments were distributed based on state population and personal income. It is estimated that annually approximately $300 billion in federal funds are distributed to state, local, and tribal governments based on census data.
FAC currently has the pleasure of participating in and representing Florida Counties on the statewide 2010 Sunshine Census Complete Count committee. The complete count committee is the backbone of the 2010 census initiative. The committee is comprised of six sub-committees which are charged with focusing their efforts to reach the piece of Florida which they represent. FAC is currently serving on the government sub-committee which will focus on developing strategies to:
1. Engage local officials to form their own complete count committees,
2. Disseminate important information through resources available to government agencies,
3. Assist the U.S. Census Bureau in identifying local operational locations,
4. Assist efforts to monitor census participation with the hard-to-enumerate populations of Florida, and
5. Assist in recruiting personnel when staffing resources are needed.
As FAC works with the statewide committee and other organizations to develop successful complete count strategies, we will begin to promote county participation and organization to ensure that Florida’s counties are counted.
Currently for more information please visit:
State of Florida: 2010 Census Website
U.S. 2010 Census: Partner Website
Additional Resources:
18 Month Calendar.pdf
2010 Census Fact Sheet.pdf
Fact Sheet for Elected Officials.pdf