American Fork residents are being urged by Mayor James H. Hadfield to stand up and be counted in the 2010 U.S. Census so the community can get its fair share of federal funds.

“The Census offers a critical snapshot of American Fork City, said Mayor James H. Hadfield.  “The Census is used to allocate billions of dollars in federal funding, impacting everything from schools and hospitals to our roads.” 

In 2000, 78 percent of American Fork residents returned their Census forms.  The 2000 Census response rate was acceptable, but it definitely could be improved.  An undercount in the Census may not seem important to some, but it is very important because the data gathered very much factors into how much federal funding is allocated to states and cities. 

Mayor Hadfield would like to challenge all American Fork residents to return their Census forms to increase participation from 2000 and be the City with the highest participation rate in the State of Utah.  In 2000, 87 percent participation in the Census was the highest city participation rate. “I certainly would encourage everbody to be counted in the census and let’s strive to beat an 87 percent participation,” said Mayor Hadfield.

The 2010 Census form compromises 10 questions, which should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete, according to Census officials. The questions ask a respondent’s name, age, ethnicity, relationship status and whether he or she owns or rents a home. Under federal law, the personal information collected by the Census Bureau is entirely confidential and cannot be shared with any federal, state or city agency.

Questionnaires are slated to be mailed beginning on March 1. Completed forms should be mailed back by April 1.

Between April and July, Census workers will be visiting households that did not mail back the forms. The following are recognition tips from the Better Business Bureau to assure the validity of a Census field representative in the event one knocks on your door:

The field worker must present an identification badge that contains a Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date.  He or she may also be carrying a bag with a Census Bureau logo.

The field representative will provide residents with supervisor contact information or the regional office phone number for verification, if asked.

The field representative will provide people with a letter from the Census Bureau director on official letterhead.

They will never ask for a Social Security number, bank account number or credit card number. Census workers also never solicit for donations and will never make contact by  e-mail.

Be Counted – It’s In Your Hands!