New York State Data Center

Making Sure Every New Yorker is Counted:
Planning for Census 2010

Ensuring a complete and accurate count of every New Yorker is critical for the State and its communities to receive their fair share of state and federal funding and political representation. An accurate count means counting every New Yorker where they live according to the Census Bureau’s residency rules.

The 2010 Census is the responsibility of the U.S. Bureau of the Census. It is the largest peacetime activity that our government engages in and is a complex process.  The Census Bureau will be counting more than 300 million residents nationwide in more than 120 million households.  In order for our State and local communities to ensure all residents are counted, we must all partner with the Census Bureau to get a complete and accurate count of the population.

Between now and the taking of the 2010 Census in April of 2010, there will be a variety of opportunities for New York State and all of our communities to participate in the process. This website will keep you up-to-date on those activities, resources to help make the job easier, and an expanding list of partners to learn from and work with.

Partner with New York State – It is critical that every New Yorker is counted in the 2010 Census.  You can help by partnering with the New York to educate everyone about the importance of the Census and to return their Census form on time.  Here are a series of fact sheets that suggest some things you can do as a partner.  Become a Partner - If you want to be added to New York’s 2010 Census partners list and receive periodic updates on the progress of the Census, email us at: 2010Census@empire.state.ny.us

Work for the 2010 Census – Counting everyone living in New York State is a very labor intensive project.  Depending on the activities at the time, the Census Bureau needs many thousands of workers throughout New York State.  Most of these jobs last about 6 weeks, have flexible hours, and are in your local area.  The Census Bureau’s website has a tremendous amount of information about these jobs. To take the 30-minute basic skills test for one of these jobs call 1-866-861-2010. 

2010 Census Timeline – Successful completion of the 2010 Census requires a very tight timeline.  There are several deadlines that the Census Bureau is legally REQUIRED to meet. Most other activities involved in getting ready for the Census are scheduled back from these deadlines.  Here is a timeline showing the major Census Bureau activities for the 2010 Census.

The Census Bureau, New York State, and many local communities are holding events to teach people about the 2010 Census and encourage them to send back the 2010 Census questionnaire.  Click here to see a schedule of these events.

Regional Coordinators – A number of organizations are working with the State to coordinate 2010 Census promotion activities in their region.  To find the organization serving your region click here.

Partner with the Census Bureau – Everyone needs to help ensure that every New York resident is counted in the 2010 Census.  You can help by partnering with the Census Bureau to encourage everyone to return their census form on time. 

To partner with the Census Bureau simply fill out this partnership agreement form and send it to one of the Census Bureau’s Local Census Offices serving your county.  We would greatly appreciate it if you told your regional coordinator that you signed up to be a partner. Here are a series of fact sheets that suggest some things you can do as a partner.

Spreading the Word – Both the U.S. Census Bureau and New York State have prepared a number of resources that you can use to help spread the word about the 2010 Census.  You can find out more information about these brochures, artwork, drop-in articles, etc. by clicking here.

Census in the Schools – The Census Bureau is making a special effort to reach out to students in kindergarten through sixth grade.  This Census in Schools program has its own website.  This site includes information for teachers, kids, and teens .  There are activities for students, including coloring pages and state facts pages, and lesson plans for teachers.  Information about this special activity is being sent to the principal of every school serving K-8 students. 

Frequently Asked Questions - Visit our FAQ page to get answers to common questions about the 2010 Census. If you have questions that aren't answered on our website, please email them to us at 2010Census@empire.state.ny.us