census reporting

In the past, Richmond City Public Schools experienced the painful consequences of inaccurate census reporting. An underestimated number of school-age children meant that federal funding was too little to properly service Richmond City students.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported on efforts to ensure accurate reporting in the 2010 census. These changes and enhancements in the process is great news for homeowners. Accurate reporting is essential for areas to receive state and federal funding necessary to service citizens, grow communities, improve quality of living and protect property values.

"An estimated 3,000 children in Richmond went uncounted in the 1990 census, depriving the city of enough federal money to operate five schools with 182 teachers for a decade.

The count was more accurate in 2000 and is likely to improve again next year because of better household address data and outreach efforts, said Jonathan Baliles, who is coordinating census activities for the city's Department of Community Development.

With more than $300 billion in federal aid to localities at stake, officials with the city and the U.S. Census Bureau are gearing up for the 2010 census and working to reach groups, including blacks and Hispanics, that have been historically undercounted.

Project officials met with media organizations last week to solicit their support for the census, which will culminate with a nationwide population survey on April 1."

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