by Public Information
comments open from February 4 until February 23

This month, Jefferson County elected officials and staff are launching a countywide collaboration with cities and organizations to encourage more than 225,000 households to participate in the 2010 Census.

In 2000, about 73 percent of households in Jefferson County returned their questionnaires by mail. When households do not return their surveys, Census workers attempt to reach residents at their homes, increasing the cost of the Census. About $85 million is saved for every 1 percent increase in mail participation.

Census data will affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to local governments, including Jefferson County. Information from the census helps determine locations for child care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.

Jefferson County is coordinating with a variety of entities, including the Public Health Department, Sheriff’s Office, Human Services Department and the cities and towns within Jefferson County, on a variety of efforts. Those efforts include:
>> A new Web site where citizens can find the latest information about the Census and how they can participate
>> Safety information from the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney
>> Job opportunities with the U.S. Census Bureau through the Jeffco Workforce Center
>> Questionnaire Assistance Centers located throughout the county to help citizens fill out their forms

To find this information and more about the 2010 Census, go to www.jeffco.us/2010census.htm.