The Census is Coming. Will You Be Counted?

Mark your calendars:  April 1, 2010 is a big day for Hillsborough County as it is Census Day.  This is an important nationwide event with a tremendous local impact.  By accurately counting all the residents in Hillsborough County we ensure the equitable representation of County Commission, City Council, and Congressional Districts.  Most importantly, this is a chance to guarantee a fair share of Federal and State revenue tied to the 2010 Census population figures.  

As we have for the past twenty years,  the Planning Commission has taken a lead role in partnering with the Census Bureau to prepare for the census.  Three major efforts leading up to Census Day are: the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA), the Participant Statistical Areas Program (PSAP), and the Complete Count Committee (CCC).  

The LUCA program updates the Census Bureau’s master address listing used for mailing the 2010 Census.  Planning Commission staff led this effort by organizing and facilitating meetings with representatives from each jurisdiction and other agencies.  The program was completed in 2008 with many addresses added to the Census Bureau’s master file. 

The PSAP is a local review of boundaries used to report census data.  The boundaries are updated once every ten years and encompass all geographic areas used by the census. The Planning Commission, working with a diverse committee, made recommended changes and submitted those changes to the Census.  The project was completed in early 2009.

The Complete Count Committee (CCC) is a local program encouraging 100 percent participation in the 2010 Census.  More importantly, the CCC works hard in reaching out to the traditionally undercounted populations.  As the agency representing all four jurisdictions, the Planning Commission will lead the CCC effort providing a comprehensive, countywide approach.  Staff is organizing and coordinating the program by working cooperatively with each jurisdiction, numerous agencies, and diverse citizen groups to ensure success of the program.  The program will kick-off in May/early June and finish shortly after the Census during the Spring of 2010.