HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-138APRIL 28, 2009 09 -138 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED 5 -0 LOST LAID OVER WITHDRAWN )
PURPOSE: APPROVE CREATING COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE TO
ASSIST WITH 2010 CENSUS
INITIATED BY: PLANNING SERVICES DIVISION
WHEREAS, the 2010 Federal dicentenial census will be performed in the City of
Oshkosh; and
WHEREAS, this census possesses great importance to the City of Oshkosh and
especially upon the City's revenue; and
WHEREAS, to ensure a local program of census accuracy it is desirable to
create a Complete Count Committee composed of representatives from the broad
spectrum of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of
Oshkosh that a Complete Count Committee is created and shall be charged with
ensuring the accuracy of the Federal census within the City of Oshkosh.
.lHKO1H
ON THE WATER
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
FROM: Jackson Kin e
Director of Co nity Development
DATE: April 22, 2009
RE: 2010 Census Complete Count Committee
BACKGROUND
A representative of the Census Bureau has contacted the City regarding formation of a local Complete Count
Committee for the upcoming census which will occur April 1, 2010. The census process includes city staff
working with the Census Bureau to develop a correct and complete list of residential addresses (which was done
early in 2008 with university interns), having residents complete and return the form and follow up by Census
Bureau employees with households that did not respond. Nationally, the initial response rate was 67% for the
2000 Census.
As in the past, the Bureau is enlisting the assistance of local governments in the effort to obtain an accurate count
and to increase the initial response rate by forming a Complete Count Committee. This would be something the
City would do voluntarily - it is not required by the Census Bureau. Obviously, it is in the City's best interest to
have everyone counted as population numbers are the basis for many forms of funding, and of course for political
representation,
The Census Bureau is encouraging units of government to establish Complete Count Committee well before the
Census to provide adequate time to develop a list of barriers that need to be overcome to having a complete count
and then a plan to address those barriers. It would appear that now would be a good time to establish such a
Committee.
The method of establishing the Committee, suggested membership and schedule of suggested activities is outlined
in the attached information developed by the Census Bureau. The Bureau also encourages local units of
government to pass the proposed resolution in support of the Complete Count Campaign.
ANALYSIS
It would appear in the City's best interest to take steps to promote participation in the Census.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Complete Count Committee will be comprised of volunteers and staffed by existing City staff. Promotional
materials are provided free of charge by the Census Bureau, so there will be no real cost to the City in establishing
the Committee.
Conversely, if the City does not make an effort to increase response to the Census, the potential cost in terms of
lost revenue could be substantial.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends establishment of a Complete Count Committee for the 2010 Census.
Approved,
r ity Manager
• Tribal, state, and local
governments determine if
local resources are needed to
promote the 2010 Census
• Local Census Offices begin
opening
• Highest Elected Official or
community leader determines
Complete Count Committee
(CCC) membership
• CCC is established
• CCC receives census training
• CCC develops strategy and work
plan
• CCC spreads word about
census jobs
• Questionnaires are delivered to
every address
• CCC begins community
organization mobilization
• CCC begins 2010 Census
publicity campaign
April 1, 2010 - Census Day
• Households return completed
questionnaires
• CCC urges nonresponding
households to cooperate with
census takers
• CCC thanks the community for
their participation in the 2010
Census
D ecemb er 3 1,
• Census delivers population
counts to the President
r�
uu
C C C
Bri
a nd Government
The 2010 Census is on the horizon and the U.S. Census Bureau wants
to ensure that everyone is counted. We are developing partnerships with
state, local, and tribal governments; community based organizations;
faith -based groups; schools; businesses; the media; and others. Through
these collaborative relationships, we can reach our shared goal of
counting all residents in the 2010 Census. By being informed about the
census and better understanding the census process, residents are more
likely to respond to the census questionnaire.
The Complete Count Committee (CCC) Program is key to making this
happen in communities all across the country. CCCs incorporate local
knowledge, influence and possible resources to educate residents and
promote the census through a locally -based and targeted outreach and
promotion effort. CCCs provide a vehicle for coordinating and nurturing a
cooperative effort between local governments, communities, and the U.S.
Census Bureau. Local governments and community organizations can
help the Census Bureau get a complete count in 2010.
What A Complete Count Committee is a team of community leaders
appointed by the highest - elected official to develop and implement a
locally -based outreach and awareness campaign for the 2010 Census.
Whyl This team's primary focus is to promote the 2010 Census in
a particular community and to ensure that every resident in that area is
counted. Community leaders are most qualified to understand the best
way to reach all populations that reside in their area. The team is also
best suited to mobilize community resources in the most efficient and
cost - effective manner.
The process starts (VOW! Identify CCC leaders and budget
resources where possible to promote the census locally. Identify CCC
leaders and members and establish your work plan. In 2010, you will be
ready to implement your plan and lead your community to a successful
census count.
It's up to you! You know the best way to reach your community.
Some activities could include
• Census rally or parade
• Ethnic media luncheon
• Census unity forum for youth
• Interfaith breakfast and weekend events
F or addition i bi t the Comple
C ommittee Program please co ntact Detro
Regi onal . •
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