Why is Census Data Important?
Complete and accurate census data paints a portrait of Greensboro that reflects the diversity in our community. Consider the following: • Political Representation: Population counts are used to determine the number of representatives from North Carolina in the US Congress, as well as to determine state and local representation and districts. • Federal Funding: $400 billion dollars is allocated to states each year by the federal government using census data. This money is used for: • social services • medicaid / medicare • schools • colleges and universities • community development programs • transportation • grants for nonprofit organizations • Planning Community Resources: Census data helps guide local planning decisions, such as where to provide additional social services; build new roads, hospitals and schools; and where to locate job-training centers. • Sound Business Decisions: Census data is critical to help companies make strategically and fiscally sound decisions that spur and
