Census "Buzz" Starting in West Chicago

West Chicago, Illinois: September 3, 2009 - In 2010, the United States Census Bureau will issue a call to action for every resident of our country to “be counted,” and a special campaign titled It’s in Our Hands is designed to galvanize communities to spread awareness for the importance of an accurate count through the formation of a Complete Count Committee (CCC).

Mayor Mike Kwasman of the City of West Chicago recognizes the impact and importance that an accurate census has in shaping his community, and is bringing together a cross-section of community members from other local government agencies, media, education, business and religious organizations to form a team which will strive to provide resident awareness of its importance. These key communicators chosen for the West Chicago CCC will speak the unique language of their own community, while conveying the singular message to “be counted.” The group will begin meeting in mid-September to begin planning strategies to get the word out.

“Every year more than $400 billion in state and federal funds is awarded to communities based on census data - data which lives with the community for a full ten years until the next census is taken. Therefore, an accurate count is vital to our community and residents’ well-being from a fiscal standpoint,” explained Mayor Kwasman. “But that’s not all. Census data guides local decision-makers in important community planning efforts such as where to build new roads and schools; and planning for future water and sewer utility improvements. Plus, census data affects our voice in Congress by determining how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives,” he added.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2010 census will have one of the shortest census questionnaires since the inception of a national census in 1790. It will ask for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship and whether the householder owns or rents their home. The form will take only about 10 minutes on average to complete, and the responses are protected by law and are strictly confidential.

“The months ahead should bring a census ‘buzz’ in West Chicago, as our local complete count committee begins the job of reaching out into the community to spread the word,” said Mayor Kwasman. “It’s in our hands.”

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West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. It is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the City's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org