The decennial census is one of the most important responsibilities of the Federal Government and it is the highest priority task of the Census Bureau. The Census is taken every ten years to provide data used for apportionment of funding and for the revision of Federal and State legislative districts. The data is the basis for annually allocating over $300 billion in Federal funding to the States. States receive from $1,000 to $6,000 per capita each year based on the Census data. To assure that this Census is successfulthe Census Bureau has developed a public outreach program designed to reach every population group in every part of the nation. The outreach campaign integrates a variety of communications efforts, but at its core is the establishment of over one hundred thousand partnerships. These partnerships are forged between the Census Bureau and businesses, faith-based groups, community organizations, groups of elected officials, ethnic organizations and others. As a result, the motto for the campaign is “It’s In Our Hands”. In other words, it is up to us and the community to make it a success
On October 7th, 2009 the SLOCOG Board took several important actions to prepare for the Decennial Census, which culminates on National Census Day: April 1st, 2009. The Board adopted a proclamation of support for the Census, Formed a Complete Count Committee and approved a Census Partnership Program agreement. As the Census Data Center Affiliate for San Luis Obispo County, SLOCOG is responsible for a range of census related tasks, including assuring that the 2010 Census is successful.