Census results could be important for cities, counties, tribes

The 2010 census is in progress and the results could be very important to northern Arizona communities, counties, cities and tribes. Funding for many of the services is determined by the census results. A community that is undercounted in the census will be underfunded for a number of federal and even state projects for the next 10 years.

Citizens are encouraged to fill out census forms they receive in the mail and to answer questions fully and accurately on the forms and if and when asked by a census worker. The information on the census forms cannot and will not be shared with other agencies and is to be used only to ensure an accurate population count.

The forms clearly state who should be counted as a resident and who should be counted elsewhere such as people in college or in prison. However, citizens are encouraged not to fail to count someone who should be counted. If you are in doubt, assume that the person should be counted and list them. Otherwise, the danger of the person not being counted is increased to the detriment of you and your community.

Northern Arizona has many citizens whose primary language is not English, who move frequently from community to community and within a community. All are in special danger of not being counted.

Residents are encouraged to become familiar with the form you may have received or will receive in the mail, answer it accurately and encourage others to do so as well. The accurate count will benefit you and the community.

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