Every ten years, since 1790, the U.S. Bureau of the Census counts residents across the country. All residents must be counted, including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens. A correct count for Broward County is critical as Census numbers are used to determine Congressional representation and funding for important projects in our local community.

A Broward County Complete Count Committee, chaired by Broward County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman, is formed that includes broad representation from businesses, the media, human service agencies, not-for-profit agencies, community groups and government. The purpose of this committee is to raise awareness about the importance of Census 2010, reach out to hard-to-enumerate groups, and encourage participation in the Census.

2010 Census Key Messages

 Ten Minutes Every Ten Years

The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. Census forms will be mailed to every household in March 2010 and Census Day is April 1, 2010. In Broward County, more than 800,000 housing units will receive the Census! The brief questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete, and asks for the name, gender, age, race, ethnicity and relationship to the householder, and whether the householder owns or rents their home. You should fill out your census form wherever you are on the day you receive it, regardless of where you live at other times of the year.

 It’s Safe to Complete the Census

Don’t be afraid to be counted, even if you are not a documented resident. Census forms are completely confidential for 72 years and cannot be shared with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies. No court of law, not even the President of the United States, can access your individual responses. Census workers are highly motivated to protect your answers – they are subject to a $250,000 fine and/or a five-year prison term for disclosing any information that could identify a respondent or household.

 Census Results Determine Funding for Community Projects

Governments use census data to allocate billions of dollars in funding for education, public safety, housing, roads and bridges, human services and community services. Community organizations use it to develop social service programs for seniors and children, and businesses use it to identify where to locate factories, shopping centers, movie theaters, banks and offices – activities that lead to new jobs! The loss in funding for government services for just one uncounted person in Broward County was estimated at $1,300 by the 2000 Census Monitoring Board. An undercounting of 1,000 residents could mean a loss in funding for Broward County of $1.3 million or more!

 Population Determines Representation

Census data is also used to determine representation in the federal and state legislatures. Undercounting results in under-representation.

For more information, visit the U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Census Web site.