March Its Time to Stand Up and Be Counted

March
March 21, 2000 | Volume 8, Number 3

It's Time to Stand Up and Be Counted

By Gail Gilpin 

Robert H. Scheid of the Census Bureau points out important locations on a local map.

Hacienda Census Office Plays Key Role in Important U.S. Census 2000 Project

By Gail Gilpin City of Pleasanton Economic Development Director

April 1 is Census 2000 day the first census of the new millennium. It will be the source for detailed data on population growth and decline, household income and family composition, changes in racial and ethnic distributions, and labor force strength. It takes place all across the country and, in fact, Census 2000's local offices are located in Hacienda. Over 1,000 census takers will work through the local office in April.

The federal government will use Census 2000 numbers to allocate approximately $185 billion in federal funds annually for a wide variety of programs. State and local governments will use the data for planning and allocating funds that benefit the community. And, the rich information gathered will directly benefit business as well.

The stakes are equally high in the case of an undercount. In that case, Alameda County alone could lose over $232 million from 2002 to 2012, the years which will use the 2000 census to establish federal funding levels.

Business Benefits

Consider the business benefits when you receive the Census 2000 questionnaire. The results of Census 2000 will provide a basis for analyzing business risks. It will help identify areas where services and products are needed. Direct mail and advertising campaigns can be better planned to reach the right markets. And, the information will help business evaluate potential markets, analyze labor markets, and make location decisions.

How Business Can Help

The quality of the Census 2000 data depends on the accuracy and completeness of the responses. Business can be a valuable partner in helping assure a strong response through access to clients and workers. Here are a few ways business can help promote Census 2000: encourage employees to respond to the census; include census messages in company newsletters and Intranet sites; place census messages on your products and sales bulletins; put "Census 2000" on the agenda at meetings and professional conferences.

Privacy is Protected

All census answers are held in the strictest of confidence. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share individual's answers with others, including the Internal Revenue Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, courts, police and military. Anyone who breaks this law can receive up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. This law works millions of questionnaires were processed during the 1990s without any breach of trust.

For additional information about Census 2000, visit the Census Bureau's Internet site at census.gov , or call the local office at (925) 920-1037.

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