Local Update of Census Addresses Program (LUCA) Program
LUCA PODCAST
Early Participation in the 2010 CensusThe Census Bureau invites state, local and tribal governments to participate in the Local Update of Census Addresses program. A county commissioner and president of the National Association of Counties weighs in on the importance of participating in this early phase of the 2010 Census.
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Time: (3:14)
The U.S. Census Bureau is gearing up to count some 310 million people in the 2010 Census. In order to get an accurate count of the population, this means the Census Bureau will have to deliver a census questionnaire to an estimated 130 million households across the country.
So, how is the Census Bureau preparing for this big job?
To make sure that every household gets a census questionnaire, one of the first things the Census Bureau needs to have is a complete address list. Early efforts are under way to make sure that list is as accurate as possible.
That’s where LUCA comes in. LUCA refers to the “Local Update of Census Addresses” program. In this important effort, the Census Bureau reaches out to state, local and tribal governments, asking for their assistance in providing updated addresses within their communities. This includes housing units, group quarters addresses and new housing developments in their area.
“Census data directly affects how more than 200 billion dollars in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments each year.”
That was Collen Landkamer, president of the National Association of Counties, talking about why it is so important to local communities that the Census Bureau has an accurate address list.
“It ensures that they can receive their fair share of funding for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, transportation and much, much more, because the census numbers are what determine how the federal funding comes to local governments.”
By 2010, it is estimated that there will be more than 310 million people living in the United States. Where these people live will be used to correctly determine — or apportion — the number of representatives each state has in Congress. These population figures also play a major role at the state level in the redistricting process.
Colleen Landkamer points out why it is essential for local governments to cooperate in this early effort.
“Ensuring that we have accurate counts in our communities is extremely critical so that representation in our state legislatures is fair and equitable.”
This partnership between the U.S. Census Bureau and other government entities is just one of the many steps that the Census Bureau takes to make sure that it has the most accurate population count possible. The information contained in the address list is confidential by law.
The Census Bureau is also embracing new technology to count the nation’s growing and changing population. It expects to use 500,000 hand-held computers for data collection in the 2010 Census. These devices will be used to update address lists and to conduct follow-up interviews with people who do not complete and return a census questionnaire by mail.
The 2010 Census will be simpler, less costly and more accurate. The questionnaire will be one of the shortest in the history of the census dating back to 1790. With only about seven questions to answer, it should take only 5 minutes to fill out.
For more information about the Local Update of Census Addresses or other aspects of the 2010 Census, visit the web site at www.census.gov and look for the “2010 Census.”
For the U.S. Census Bureau, I’m Tom Edwards, in Suitland, Md.
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