Rural communities in particular rely on scarce state and federal funding for basic programs, many of which rely on Census information to distribute funding. Each person counted brings almost $1,000 in federal funds to cities and counties, so a complete Census count in 2010 is critical.
With cuts to local governments, it is more crucial than ever to get complete counts. To help get the word out, SACOG is creating materials and providing information to local governments and community groups at: www.sacog.org/Census2010. The website includes a Census timeline, maps of hard-to-count populations, sample newsletter articles, contact information for local public and private partners, and other resources for local governments and community organizations.
In the Sacramento region, some local governments are forming Complete Count committees. Funding for local community Census activities is limited. To support outreach in hard-to-count communities, the Census Bureau is offering Partner Support Program Census funding to local governments and community organizations. Funds can be used for promotional materials, community workshops, and other outreach and educational activities. Applications are due no later than October 15. For more information on local Census activities, contact Monica Hernández at (916) 340-6237 or mhernandez@sacog.org.