The US Census Bureau is in the midst of collecting mail-in forms for the 2010 decennial census.  If you haven’t filled out your form – do so today and get it in the mail!  The Census provides valuable information on community demographics, trends and patterns, and areas of focus for services and development.  Our country has conducted a census every ten years since 1790.

The Census Bureau reports that the current participation rate for the mail-in portion of the effort is 34%. 

For every 1% increase in mail participation, the Bureau will save $85,000,000 of taxpayer funds required to field census-takers on the street. (source)

The Bureau provides an interactive mapping tool where you can see response rates from a national level:

You can use this map to drill down further to a local level:

Economic development (and representative government) lives and dies by the quality of the data used to derive decisions and set priorities.  The Census is the cornerstone of our country’s attempt to understand who is here, where people live, and the general make-up of our nation.  Participate!