April 1 2009 marked just one year until Census 2010!

What is the Census?
• The Census is a head count of everyone residing in the United States.
• It has been mandated by the U.S. Constitution since 1790 and counts people of all ages, race, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens.
• Census data is safe; Title 13 of the Constitution protects Census information from being shared with the Department of Homeland Security or any other federal agency.

Why is the Census Important?
Census data is used to determine how the community is changing and what its needs are.
• Population totals from the Census determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives and are used to redraw legislative districts.
• Population totals are used in the reapportionment of City Council seats.
• Census data is used to determine how the community is changing and what its needs are
• Approx. $300 Billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year
• If the population is not counted accurately, then our communities do not receive their fair share of funds we need for essential community programs.
· Over 200 agencies award funding on the basis of Census data.
• Some of the areas where Census data is used to allocate funds are:
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Public Transportation
• Road rehabilitation and construction
• Emergency food and shelter

The 1st Census took place in 1790 and 3,929,214 people in the US were counted.

In 2010 the projected population that will be counted in the US is 310,233,000

Estimated population in Denver for 2007: 588,349

Estimated population in Colorado for 2008: 4,939,456

Denver’s efforts to ensure an accurate count for the 2010 Census

The City has put forth much effort to reflect the community’s commitment to long-term strategic planning and investments. Our participation in the Census and partnership with the US Census Bureau is another way we show our commitment to our City’s expansion.

• We have hired a local community census specialist who is the liaison between the regional Census office and the City. Our Census outreach specialist is constantly in the community creating partnerships and giving presentations on the Census and the importance of it.
• We have enlisted for early support from the Regional Census Office and participated in regional Census efforts.
• The City’s GIS department and the Census Bureau have been collaborating since 2007 on the LUCA process (Local Update of Census Addresses) to ensure the most accurate list of addresses.
• Our Channel 8 TV has created segments to educate the residents on the Census.
• Denver hosted an April 1st “Year to Census Day” kick off event with proclamations from the Mayor and City Council. Councilman Paul Lopez played a special role in connecting with kids and families at Place Bridge Academy School, a K-8 school where refugee families attend. It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce the Census to a hard to enumerate population.
• We are working with partners to launch a public campaign to let the Denver residents know “We all count the same” and remind them
• The Census is Confidential
• The Census is coming; fill it out
• The Census is here; did you fill it out

Denver was the 1st community in the State to launch a Complete Count Committee and only the 2nd one in the Western Region.

The Complete Count Committee (CCC) is a group of community leaders appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper for the purpose of developing and implementing a comprehensive 2010 Census awareness campaign in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau aimed at ensuring every resident of Denver County is counted in the 2010 Census. The Committee is co-chaired by Elbra Wedgeworth, Ken Santistevan and Councilman Paul Lopez.

Through their community knowledge, Complete Count Committee members will:
Ensure an accurate count of every City and County of Denver resident
Ensure an accurate count of presumably undercounted communities
Achieve a 75% return rate of mailed surveys
Make every Denver resident aware of the census
Make every Denver resident aware of the confidentiality of the census

To learn more about the Denver Census 2010 please contact:

Martha Rodriguez, Census Outreach Specialist
martha.rodriguez@denvergov.org
720.944.3023 phone
303.478.5404 cell
729.944.3092 fax