Commissioner Balya’s Mayors’ Forum Focuses on Importance of 2010 Census

Posted 11-16-09

The latest in a series of forums for Westmoreland County's mayors, hosted by County Commissioner Chairman Tom Balya, focused on the importance of the upcoming 2010 U.S. Census and enlisted the help of county mayors in ensuring a complete count.

The mayors' forum, held Saturday morning, November 14, in Greensburg, was attended by mayors and new mayor-elects from 16 communities in Westmoreland County.

"Next year's census will have a profound impact on Westmoreland County and each and every one of its communities," Commissioner Balya said. "Billions of federal dollars to fund schools, healthcare and infrastructure are at stake, not to mention future congressional and legislative boundaries. Our local mayors are key partners in helping to promote the importance of the census and to dispel any fears that may prevent a complete and accurate count."

The forum featured John Ramos, a partnership specialist from the U.S. Census Bureau, who explained to the mayors not only the significance of the Census, but also the process and the importance of building relationships to promote and publicize it.

The U.S. Constitution mandates a headcount every 10 years of everyone residing in the United States. The data from the census is widely used. Every year, more than $400 billion in federal funds are awarded to states, counties and local communities based on census data. The federal government uses census data to allocate funding for programs that impact education, public transportation, road construction, help for seniors, emergency food and shelter, and more. Locally, census data guides decision-makers in important community development efforts. Census data affects representation in Congress, as well as redistricting of the state legislature and voting districts.

The Westmoreland County Commissioners recently convened a countywide Complete Count Committee that consists of community, business, educational and government leaders to increase awareness about the census and motivate residents to respond.

Census Day is April 1, 2010. For more information on the Census, visit www.2010census.gov.

Since 1996, Commissioner Balya has sponsored regular mayors' forums at various locations throughout Westmoreland County to meet with local leaders to discuss shared goals and solutions to government challenges.