Latest News
July 08, 2010
What a Complete Census Count Means for Florida’s Economy
An accurate census count in the 2010 Sunshine Census is important to local communities for funding allocations from state and federal programs. An incomplete or inaccurate count can cause revenue inequities that can last a decade, hindering economic development and small businesses.
Obtaining complete counts of small, sparsely populated rural counties and towns is
challenging for the U.S. Census Bureau because it relies heavily on mail‐back questionnaires, when many rural residents rely on P.O. boxes or other methods to get their mail. Census enumerators are going door‐to‐door through the month of June, and the business community is encouraging everyone to help these locally hired workers achieve an accurate count. If you have not received a census questionnaire and have not been counted by a census enumerator, call: U.S. Census Bureau Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center, 1‐866‐872‐8686, toll free.
Census Bureau employees will take your information over the phone; the phone line is open until July 30. Here are some reasons every business owner and economic development supporter should do their part to raise awareness:
1. How will information from the 2010 Sunshine Census be used?
Information on population counts and where people live is needed to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and to determine state legislative district boundaries. The districts must be relatively equal for fair representation as required by our nation’s
Constitution.
2. How does complete and accurate census data impact community funds?
Census numbers directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal and state
funding is allocated to local and state governments. Accurate census numbers ensure that funds are distributed so that resources can be targeted to the areas in need.
3. What does census data have to do with economic development and jobs?
At the state and local level, census data helps decision makers plan economic development and assess the need and best location for major projects like roads, schools, hospitals, parks and job training.
4. How do private sector businesses benefit from accurate census data?
Businesses can use the data in many ways. For example, grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, restaurants, car dealerships, and other businesses use census data to help decide where to locate new outlets and offices. Business services like job training programs, small business loans, road and traffic improvements, affordable housing and tax incentive programs use the data.
5. How does more state and federal funding benefit business owners in small, rural counties?
In addition to improved roads, schools and health care facilities, federal programs use
census data to allocate funding and grants. For example, the federal Safe Drinking Water Act allocates funds to rural communities for drinking water source development and purification. Without that aid, local taxes could increase or poor water supply could
hamper economic development.
6. How can complete and accurate Census data benefit small and rural communities?
Many state and federal programs consider population and other census information before making key investments in rural communities. For example, rural health clinics bring doctors and health care services to areas that might not otherwise be able to support them.
7. What can the Census data tell us about our community?
The census spotlights how our communities are changing. These changes are crucial to
many planning decisions – such as neighborhood improvements, emergency preparedness, veterans’ services, disaster recovery, public health, education, transportation, senior services and much more.
8. What can business owners do to improve the 2010 Sunshine Census?
In rural communities, business owners and economic development advocates have a strong voice and are often looked up to as civic leaders. Encourage positive participation in the 2010 Sunshine Census with residents, neighbors, customers, employees, business colleagues, friends and families. Communities in Florida’s small and rural counties need the most complete and accurate Census count possible.
For more information, visit www.SunshineCensus2010.com