Stand Up and BEE Counted!

As the 2010 Census draws near, the City of Zion is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to make sure everyone completes and mails back their census form. Participation is important to the future of our community. As a result, a challenge is being issued to everyone living in the Beautiful City of Zion, Illinois to "take 10" and beat the area's mail participation rate from Census 2000.

Taking 10 minutes to complete and mail a census form is the easiest and most efficient method of participation in the 2010 Census. Additionally, mailing back a census form reduces overall costs of conducting the census. For each census form returned by mail, the Census Bureau saves $60-$70, or about $85 million for every one percent increase in mail participation.

Why Participate in the Census? 

As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, everyone in the United States must be counted in the census. This includes people of all ages, races and ethnic groups; citizens and noncitizens. Conducted every 10 years, the census is more than just a population count. The 2010 Census will present a new portrait of America, showing us how our nation has changed in the past decade and helping to determine what our communities need for the next 10 years. 

Census data provide numerous benefits to the people of this nation and the places we live. For example:

• Census data are used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments. 
• Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to tribal, state and local governments based on census data.
• Information from the census helps determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.

These and many other benefits are possible with an accurate count in 2010. Participating in the census is one of best ways the people of Zion, Illinois can contribute to society and make a lasting difference.

For more information, visit 2010census.gov.