2010 Census: 10 Minutes. 10 Questions that Define Our Country and Our Community

“Maximizing participation in the census is vital to maintaining and furthering the City of Indianapolis as one of the country’s most livable big cities. Every 10 years we get an opportunity to be a part of this historic, national process, and our response as a community will determine levels of federal support and funding for our city as well as our representation in Washington, D.C. It’s imperative that we build awareness and excitement for this great event.”

– Mayor Greg Ballard
Census Kickoff Breakfast in Downtown Indianapolis
January 12, 2010

What is the 2010 Census?
Once every 10 years, every person living in the United States has a chance to stand and be counted. The results of the decennial census determine our representation in Washington, D.C., federal funding for health and human services and much more. The census counts, and in 2010, Mayor Greg Ballard is working with Congressman André Carson and community partners to make Indianapolis count too! 2010 Census forms contain 10 basic questions that will take about 10 minutes to answer. And our community’s level of response will shape the future of Indianapolis.

When is it?
Census packets should be delivered between March 15 and March 17, 2010, in areas where the United States Postal Service delivers the census forms for the Census Bureau. Census Bureau workers will deliver forms between March 1 and April 31, 2010, in all other areas.

How is Mayor Ballard involved?
The census is a citywide effort. That’s why Mayor Ballard created the Complete Count Committee to increase awareness and participation in the 2010 Census. Spearheaded by the Mayor and led by some of Indy’s foremost leaders including Amos Brown of Radio One and Steve Smith of the Indiana Health Care Association, the Complete Count Committee works to increase awareness and ultimately participation in the 2010 Census. Since the census kickoff in January 2010, Mayor Ballard and Congressman Carson have also worked to supplement recruiting efforts of the Federal Census Bureau by promoting census jobs in Marion County and connecting the Indianapolis Private Industry Council (IPIC) and local WorkOne centers to help residents interested in filling some of the 5,000 census job opportunities that are still available.
How can people participate?

Most importantly, complete and return census information as soon as you receive it. The head of household should complete the form on behalf of every person living in the residence on April 1, 2010, including relatives and non-relatives. For people who want to do more than complete their census form, as many as 5,000 census workers are still needed in our community, and there are also many volunteer opportunities. 

Want more information?
Visit www.IndyCensus2010.com for more information about census jobs, volunteer opportunities, and what the census means to our city.