Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years.

The 2010 Census aims to count all U.S. residents, both citizens and non-citizens alike. To do this, the Census Bureau delivers a short 10-question form to every household in America. The Census requires residents to fill in the form to account for everyone living at your address as of April 1, 2010 (Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law). The form includes a prepaid envelope to mail it back. If you don't mail it back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form.

The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like:

• Hospitals
• Job training centers
• Schools
• Senior centers
• Bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects
• Emergency services

The data collected by the census also help determine the number of seats our state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Before we begin a new chapter in American history, we need to understand who we are right now." says Alachua County Commissioner and Commission appointed Census Champion Rodney J. Long, "It's in our hands Alachua County, so let's get counted and make the Census count for us."

For more information, contact Alachua County Growth Management Senior Planner, Ivy Bell at 352-374-5249, or visit http://2010.census.gov.