FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information, contact: 
Jennifer Purcell
Tillamook County Futures Council
P: (503) 812-8377
jkpurcell@oregoncoast.com
www.tillamookfutures.org

Stand up and be counted!

Tillamook, Ore. - It happens once every ten years. It is time to stand up and be counted. But why is it important to complete a 2010 Census form? Census data will shape the future of Tillamook County.

Recognizing the consequences of accurate data collection, the Tillamook County Futures Council is partnering with Census outreach efforts. “A precise count allows community leaders to make more informed management and budget decisions,” emphasized Shawn Reiersgaard, Council Vice Chair. “Census information is used to guide planning for roads, hospitals and schools and to determine areas with the most need for additional social services.”

The Census is mandated by our Constitution and the information collected is used to distribute over $400 billion a year of federal funding for critical community services. Data are used to determine who receives community development block grants, Pell grants for college students, and other grant programs. These grant-funded programs include WIC, Head Start, and Medicaid, as well as law enforcement, wildlife restoration, and federal housing programs. These funds are allocated according to Census data. “It is vital to Tillamook County residents that we encourage everyone to participate,” reiterated Reiersgaard. “In fact, every citizen of Tillamook County that is missed in the Census count costs our community $14,000 in lost federal funding over the next decade.”
The data will also be used to determine the boundaries of legislative districts at the state and local level, as well as how many seats each state will have in Congress. A complete and accurate count of Tillamook County residents is essential to ensure that our community will receive its fair share of resources and representation.

The Census has been simplified, making it easier than ever to complete. When completing the Census form it is important to include any person living at your home on April 1, 2010, even if that person is not a family member and is just living there temporarily.

Citizens of Tillamook County should have recently received their 2010 Census forms. If you have not yet received a Census form, visit a Census Questionnaire Assistance Center near you (see side bar for locations in Tillamook County). Census QACs are located throughout the county. Hours of operation vary; be sure to call ahead to confirm the QAC will be open when you intend to visit.

Keep in mind that Census forms are only sent to mailing addresses associated with a physical address. If you receive your mail at a P.O. Box, the Census Bureau will not mail the Census form to you. Their plan is to have Census Bureau employees hand deliver a Census form to your door. It is estimated that the task of hand delivering the Census forms will be completed by July 18th. However, if you want to be sure that you are counted, visit a Census Questionnaire Assistance Center to receive a form to complete.

Census Questionnaire Assistance Centers in Tillamook County

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Past Press Releases

• Futures Report spans beyond Cheese, Trees (2006)
• Tillamook County Futures Council Hosts Stakeholder Meetings to Review County Vision (2007)
• Tillamook County Futures Council Hosts Community Forums To Shape County Vision (2007)
• Japan takes note of Tillamook County Strategic Vision (2008)
• Tillamook County Futures Council and Oregon State University Partner for Vital Tillamook Indicators Projects (2008)

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