Abstract
Given the rapid demographic changes experienced in recent years and the strong expectation that such changes will continue and accelerate, the once-a-decade detailed data collection as part of a decennial census is no longer acceptable for producing much of the data required by the Federal government, states, municipalities, and tribal governments. To meet the needs and expectations of the country, the Census Bureau developed the American Community Survey (ACS). This survey collects detailed population and housing data every month and provides tabulations of these data on a yearly basis. In the past, the long-form data were collected only at the time of each decennial census. After years of development and testing, the ACS began full implementation in households in January 2005 and in group quarters (GQs) in January 2006.
Collecting long-form data during the decade through the ACS has had a profound effect on the census design plan. The collection of long- form data had added substantial burden and complexity to past decennial censuses. Implementing the ACS means that the Decennial Census can focus on its constitutional mandate to accurately count the population to apportion the House of Representatives. The ACS--supported by a complete and accurate address system--has simplified the census design, resulting in improvements in both coverage and data quality, while providing current data on detailed population, social, economic, and housing characteristics.
The ACS provides more timely information for critical economic planning by governments and the private sector. In the current information-based economy, federal, state, tribal, and local decision makers, as well as private business and non-governmental organizations, need current, reliable, and comparable socioeconomic data to chart the future. In 2006, the ACS began publishing up-to-date profiles of American communities every year, providing policymakers, planners, and service providers in the public and private sectors this information every year--not just every ten years.
The ACS released estimates of population and housing characteristics for geographic areas of all sizes in December 2010. These data products, used by federal agencies and others, are similar in scope to the Summary File 3 tables from Census 2000. The 2010 Census did not include these detailed characteristics, leaving the ACS as the source of data for uses previously associated with the decennial census long form.
The Census Bureau presently plans to resubmit the ACS to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for extended clearance. The current ACS content has been reviewed by the Census Bureau, in conjunction with Federal agency stakeholders, to determine potential areas for improved item response and/or data quality.
DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on or before May 9, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to James Treat, U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office, Washington, DC 20233, by FAX to (301) 763-8070 or via the Internet at james.b.treat@census.gov.
Full Announcement
