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Census Bureau urges communities to participate in address update program

Bean counters get a bad rap. But when it comes to the U.S. Census, millions of federal dollars – and Congressional reapportionment and redistricting – are at stake.

Before the Census 2010 questionnaire appears in your mailbox, the Census Bureau first needs your address. That’s why it’s crucial for communities to assist the Census Bureau with getting the most accurate database of addresses possible. If the Bureau doesn’t know that a new subdivision or urban condominium development exists, an entire neighborhood could go uncounted. And that would mean less in federal and state aid for the community.

In late January the Census Bureau kicked off its LUCA program, or Local Update of Census Addresses. The Bureau will sponsor a series of LUCA informational presentations throughout the state in the spring. Local governments will receive the formal invitation and signup forms in July and will be invited to attend technical training sessions beginning in late summer.

Participation is voluntary. Communities will have at least 120 days to conduct their reviews with all material returned to the Census Bureau by April 2008. The Bureau will process the materials, field verify all the information by spring 2009, and provide feedback to participants by October 2009.

“The Census count is used as a baseline for annual population estimates,” said Barbara Ronningen of the State Demographic Center, Minnesota’s contact person for LUCA. “If the Census misses people, the results are felt for the next decade. I hope that every Minnesota community will take advantage of this opportunity to ensure an accurate count.”

The Census Bureau has set up an email address at  kansas.city.geography@census.gov for LUCA program questions, as well as a toll free number, 866-511-LUCA.