The 2010 Census is seven months away and preparations are in full swing. The City of Tucson is an official Census 2010 partner and will be supporting this massive nation-wide effort.

Activities to lay the groundwork for the nationwide effort to count everyone residing in the United States are visible across the country. 2010 Census data inform critical decisions from congressional representation to the allocation of more than $435 billion annually in federal funds. 

Current activities include:

• Address Canvassing: Approximately 140,000 census workers, hired from within each local community, will cover most neighborhoods to identify each residential address. This will help ensure everyone residing in the United States receives a 2010 Census questionnaire. This is the first visible sign that the decennial census is approaching and the first use of handheld technology by the Census Bureau. The result of this effort will be the most comprehensive U.S. address list in existence.

• Partnership Recruitment: Partnerships with for-profit and non-profit organizations and government entities are vital to raising awareness of, and increasing participation in, this historic event. More than 250 national partners have already signed on to spread the message that achieving a complete and accurate count is important in 2010.

• Census in Schools: In April 2009, every school in the country received a letter of interest encouraging principals and teachers to sign on and participate in the K-12 Census in Schools program. Schools will receive their Census in Schools instructional materials in the Fall of 2009. Students will be able to experience the Census in Schools program throughout the 2009-2010 school year.

For more information and the latest updates visit the official Census website at http://www.2010census.gov/