2010 Census Introduction
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau must do a headcount of everyone living in all the 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the Island Areas (e.g., the U.S. Virgin Islands). The next census occurs in 2010, but work is already underway to ensure we get a count that is as accurate as possible.
The census is vitally important to our community in many ways. Census data is used to ensure that each state is fairly represented in Congress, as well as to draw equitable political boundaries at the state, county and city level.
The Census data is also used to distribute $300 billion in federal funds. An accurate picture of the community is critical to knowing what kinds of programs are needed, and at what level they need to be funded. For Clovis, some of the Census-based federal funding we depend on is:
- Housing;
- Community Development Block Grants, which help fund community-based organizations who work on local problems;
- Road rehabilitation and construction;
- Programs for the elderly; and
- Emergency food and shelter.
The City of Clovis is committed to a full and accurate Census count.
2010 Census Timeline - Key Dates:
- February – March 2010: Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households.
- April 1, 2010: Census Day
- April – July 2010: Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail.
- December 2010: By law, Census Bureau delivers population counts to President for apportionment.
- March 2011: By law, Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states.