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1 <br />ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: March 16, 2010 <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. ,~ - Q~ <br />SUBJECT: Census 2010 Presentation <br />DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br />Clerk to the Board <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />1. Frequently Asked Questions <br />2. PowerPoint Presentation <br />INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Tom Altieri, 245-2575 <br />Donna Baker, 245-2130 <br />PURPOSE: To receive a presentation on the 2010 Census. <br />BACKGROUND: This month, more than 130 million addresses will receive a 2010 Census <br />form by mail or hand delivery. The 2010 Census will document the changes in the nation since <br />the last decennial census in 2000, and detail how the country has evolved. Because census <br />data affect how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local <br />governments, the census also will frame the future of the country and Orange County for the <br />next 10 years. <br />During Census 2000, the mail participation rate was 72 percent as of the April 2000 cut-off. <br />Approximately $85 million is saved for every one percent increase in mail participation. For <br />these and many other reasons, everyone must work to encourage participation in the census. <br />Important things to know about the 2010 Census are: <br />It's easy. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 <br />questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The individual in whose name the <br />housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living <br />there, both relatives and nonrelatives. <br />It's important. Census data are used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper <br />district representation in state and local governments. Information from the census helps <br />determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and <br />community centers. <br />It's safe. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents' answers with anyone, <br />including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau <br />employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality <br />of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment <br />of up to five years, or both. <br />