HomeMy WebLinkAbout20010840 STATE OF COLORADO
DIVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT Department of Local Affairs
ov co
y
•4676
April 3, 2001 Bill
Owens
rnor
Bob Brooks
Executive
Director
Dear Commissioner:
On Monday, March 19, the Census Bureau released the first set of data from the 2000
Census. This set -- known as the "PL94-174" data file -- contains data on total
population and population 18 and over. The data on these variables are available by
race and Spanish-origin (or not) down to the block level. They are the limited set of
population numbers that are necessary for the redistricting of the seats in the U. S. House
of Representatives and of those in both houses of the Colorado General Assembly.
This PL94-174 file does NOT contain any data on housing, household population, group
quarters (from the short form), nor any of the data on economic and social characteristics
(from the long form). We expect the housing and household data — contained on
Summary File 1 - to become available in the summer(we hope in June). The release of
the economic and social data- on Summary File 3 - is still a year away.
The enclosed pages tell you how to obtain these data and the (census) maps that define
the various units of geography for your entity.
Changing or correcting the census results as released by the U. S. Bureau of the
Census for redistricting purposes is next to impossible. However, correcting them in the
permanent records of the Census Bureau is possible under the Census Bureau's Count
Question Resolution Program (see enclosed description of the CQR program).
Determining other adjustments for purposes within the state is also possible and, we feel,
an appropriate role for our section. Hence, we are encouraging local governments to
review their census results and to work with us (the Demography Section of the Colorado
Department of Local Affairs) to improve this critical data base.
In order to formalize the process by which we make these improvements, we have
decided to use the April 1, 2000 census results as the basis for the year 2000 population
estimates prepared for the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF). Accordingly, counties and
municipalities will be allowed to challenge and improve on these numbers in a manner
outlined below. To do this review, we have added a staff person (described below) to
conduct the process and have formed an ad hoc Population Estimates Review Committee
C'Mse/I t CC7�B/XlG 1
i 2001-0840
1313 Sherman Street, Room 521, Denver,Colorado 80203 (303)866.2156 FAX(303) 866-4819 TDD(303)866-5300
of retired professionals to oversee this effort. We hope you will take the time to conduct
a thorough review of your census results and work with us toward improving this
important data base.
The Importance of the Census Data. The data that are available from the census are, as
you know, critical to the redistricting process. However, they are also the foundation for
all the population and housing data that are developed and used during the next decade,
including the population estimates developed each year by the Demography Section for
the distribution of the lottery monies (CTF). These data are also used -- directly or
indirectly --all during this ten-year period to allocate state funds, to establish the need for
various governmental programs and to justify Federal and state grants-in-aid. Further,the
data serve as the basis of population forecasts which are used to establish future needs for
infrastructure and other services. Errors in the census will understate current trends and
become magnified when carried forward to future years .
Evaluating Your Census Results. The beginning point in correcting or improving the
census is in reviewing the numbers of housing units that were inventoried (and
presumably contacted) in the census. These data will not be available until June or July,
so it will not be possible to systematically review the census results until that time.
However, if you are dissatisfied with the population count for your area, you can prepare
for that effort by identifying potential problem areas via the population numbers in the
current (PL94-171) file e.g., those (block data) that are zero or unusually low.
In looking for areas of missed housing units it is easiest to begin by comparing the Census
Bureau's total for your entity with that recorded by your county's assessor or planning
and/or building department. From there, work from the "top-down", trying to identify
sub-areas where there are large differences, and, from there, pinpoint them to census
blocks. For large entities which have their own inventories of housing units in an
electronic geographic information system, it may be fairly easy to do block-by-block
comparisons. In non-metropolitan areas where the housing unit data are recorded by
section, township and range, this will be somewhat more involved. The key here is to
focus on clusters of sections and census blocks which can be tallied under both systems
of geography and to make comparisons of the housing units at that level.
After any housing units that were missed in the census have been identified, the
Demography Section will assist the local government in estimating the April 1, 2000
population that might have been in these units. These will be based on local information
regarding occupancy at that time, data on the population in similar types of
neighborhoods, and other considerations.
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Finally, there will be places where the Census Bureau's inventory of housing units
appears correct but where the community feels that a significant number of the people
were not counted. Again, the Demography Section will assist in evaluating and
estimating the April 1, 2000 population in these areas.
The deadline for filing challenges related to this year's (year 2000) population estimates is
August 31, 2001. However, we intend to continue to work on problems and challenges
after that date in order to improve these data for other purposes.
Demography Section Contacts. The Demography Section's activities in evaluating and
improving the 2000 census will be headed by Ken Ellwanger, who is on loan from the
Census Bureau to help in this effort. Ken has been with the Census Bureau for thirty-two
years and has been a resident of Colorado for the last 28 years. His most recent
assignment has been as Deputy Regional Director of the Los Angeles Regional Office.
(Yes, he commuted to L.A. for the last six years.) The Census Bureau and the
Demography Section are excited about his new role in helping improve the population
data for Colorado, and Ken is happy to be working a lot closer to home. Ken will be
working with Richard Lin, our Estimates Demographer, and under Jim Westkott,
Director, in this effort.
After you have had a chance to review the population for your entity from the
redistricting data file, please contact Ken at 303-866-3167 or Ken.ellwanger@state.co.us.
Together, you and he can work out a plan for reviewing and evaluating any concerns you
may have.
The Department of Local Affairs via the Demography Section is committed to having the
best possible population and other(housing, economic, commuting, etc.) data available
for use by your community. We look forward to working with you toward achieving this
goal.
Sincerely,
Ji estkott, Director
Demography Section
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2000 CENSUS DATA
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
(From PL 94-171 - "Redistricting Data File")
Variables:
Total Population
Population 18+ (and 0 - 17)
Population by Race and Hispanic Origin
To Get These Data:
by County and Municipality:
Internet: go to the Demography Section's home page at
www.dola.state.co.us/demog
and in the left column click on the fourth item "Census Data"
To Get These Data by Small Area:
by Tracts, Block Groups, Blocks; U. S. Congressional Districts;
State Legislative Districts; Voting Districts (Precincts)
Internet: go to the U. S. Bureau of the Census's home page at
www.census.gov
and in the left column click on the "American Fact Finder", click
on "Decennial Census", page down to and click on "Detailed Tables",
and click on Census 2000 Redistricting Data Summary File.
To Get Census Maps for Your Area:
Internet: go to the U. S. Bureau of the Census's home page at
wvvw.census.govigeo/www/tigerird_2ktiger/pl_maps/pl_maps.html
COUNT QUESTION RESOLUTION
(CQR)
What is the CQR Program?
• U.S. Bureau of the Census program to handle questions about the official Census
2000 counts.
When does this program begin?
• Beginning date - Immediately
Types of CQR Corrections:
• Boundary corrections-jurisdictional boundaries legally in effect on 01/01/2000.
• Geocoding corrections - placement of living quarters and associated population
within correct boundaries, census blocks, and the like.
• Coverage corrections- specific living quarters and persons identified but
erroneously included or excluded due to processing errors.
CQR Guidelines:
• No new data will be collected by the Census Bureau as part of this program.
• Limited to corrections related to housing units and associated population and group
quarters.
• Accepts "Questions" submitted by local/or tribal government officials of a
functioning jurisdiction.
• Will not incorporate CQR corrections into redistricting data and subsequent data
products for Census 2000.
Boundary Question Criteria:
• Must have been legally in effect on January 1, 2000.
• Maps submitted must show correct location of boundary; portion of boundary that
the Census Bureau depicted incorrectly, and include Census 2000 tabulation block
numbers associated with that boundary.
• Should also provide a list of addresses in affected tabulation blocks indicating
location to boundary requiring correction.
Housing Unit and Group Quarters Question Criteria:
• To `question' Housing Unit and Group Quarters Counts as of April 1, 2000, a
government unit must:
► Provide supporting evidence to reflect validity of residential addresses and
Group Quarters address list(s).
► Specify tabulation block(s)
• Provide complete address list in contested block(s), and/or
• Provide complete address list for all group quarters in contested block(s)
Where to send CQR Questions?
• Colorado Division of Local Government Email: Ken.ellwanger@state.co.us
1313 Sherman Street, Room 521 Telephone No.: 303-866-3167
Denver. Colorado 80203
Attention: Ken Ellwanger
Hello