Surprise, AZ News blog

The City of Surprise Census 2010 Complete Count Committee is hard at work in their efforts to raise public awareness for the upcoming Census count.

“This is a great group of community members, who have moved beyond brainstorming ideas and are ready to put them into action,” says Community Development Director Jeff Mihelich. “In March, our community will really start to see how important it is to fill out and return the Census form by April 1.”

Each Surprise resident counted by the Census equals $1,300 in federal funds for the city to support public safety, transportation, senior services and other important civic needs.

Since meeting in January, Census Committee members and city staff liaisons have been developing a variety of outreach efforts including working with local HOAs and retirement communities to post Census 2010 literature in community newsletters and Web sites.

A Census 2010 booth will be added to the city’s Block Party Trailer set up, so as neighbors gather at social events the Census message will be part of the information sharing.

Residents will also be able to see Census 2010 Public Service Announcements, produced by Surprise 11, during Spring Training games at Surprise Stadium.

The business community has agreed to display Census promotional materials in their shops and offices. Motorists on eastbound Bell Road will see the “Census 2010: Count Me In” message prominently displayed on a billboard as they cross over Friendship Bridge, starting in mid-March. And the city’s sanitation vehicles will transform into moving Census billboards with Census signage added next month.

“The committee is working with the school district and local churches, so that no matter where you are in the city, there is a good chance you will see or hear about the Census,” adds Mihelich. “Participating in the Census is a great way to show your community pride.”

An accurate population count, as determined every 10 years by the Census, is tied to more than $400 billion in federal funding split nationwide and determines how many congressional seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Census is completely confidential and takes about 10 minutes to complete the 10 questions.　 The U.S. Census Bureau will begin mailing the Census 2010 forms March 15 - 17.

For more information about Census 2010, or to see the form questions, visit www.surpriseaz.com/census2010, or the U.S. Census Bureau’s site at www.2010census.gov.