Lower Downtown District, Inc.

Census 2000 - Why Should We Care?

Mar 27, 2000

The Census Bureau knows why it cares about conducting an accurate census of the United States. As Clif Taylor, Chief of the Decennial Recruiting Branch of the U.S. census, says, the census, in addition to being "required by our nation's Constitution," is critical because "an accurate count greatly impacts federal funding of vital services, such as schools and roads."

But what does that mean to those of us who don't work for the Census Bureau? Well, as LDDI members it means the census is an opportunity for Lower Downtown to be officially recognized as the mixed-use neighborhood it is?…and, when residents are counted, they'll be represented.

"Obviously, there's been a lot of changes to Lower Downtown since the census was conducted in 1990," says Dan du Bois, Executive Director of LDDI. "If an accurate census is conducted in our area, we may fit into a new district, one that will allow us to appoint a councilperson who speaks directly for Lower Downtown."

And that objective - to be categorized correctly and represented accordingly - is why LDDI is joining the U.S. Census in its search to find employees to conduct the census.

That search isn't an easy process. With more than 800,000 nationwide jobs to fill, most of them temporary and part time, it's no wonder employees are greatly needed in our area.

"Look at it as a volunteer opportunity in which you actually get paid," says Dan du Bois about the job that begins this spring. Hours do reflect "typical" volunteer schedules - most work can be done at evenings and weekends and only 20 hours a week is required. Pay is competitive and based on community wages, and travel expenses like mileage are reimbursed.

If you'd like more information on how to be a "paid volunteer" who helps the Lower Downtown District stand up and be counted, call 1-888-325-7733 or visit www.census.gov/jobs2000.