The U.S. Census Bureau (Department of Commerce) is doing preliminary work for the 2010 Census in our community over the next 4-6 weeks. This work mainly involves a person walking around the neighborhood with a small computer mapping the housing in the area.

The person will have an ID badge and will be carrying a black bag with U.S. Census Bureau printed on it. They will knock on your door just as a courtesy to let you know they are on your property.

They will not be asking any personal questions at this time. The actual 2010 Census will be not mailed until next year. The only question they will ask is about any additional living quarters you may have on your property (i.e., a separate garage apartment). This question is intended to ensure everyone is counted in this important census. There is no reason for them to ask to come into your house.

A few facts about the census:

- The census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years.
- The census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.
- Your participation in the census is required by law.
- It takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
- Federal law protects the personal information you share during the census.
- Census data is used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide and to distribute $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year.

For more about the 2010 Census go to http://www.2010.census.gov.