Dear Residents,

Every ten years, the U.S. government undertakes a census to count every person living in the United States and its territories.  The program requires years of planning and billions of dollars for success; more than that, it requires the active participation of each and every person residing in the U.S. and its territories.

The information taken from the Census is critical in determining how Congress is apportioned, as well as how federal funds are allocated to the City for things such as road repairs, parks, housing, schools, public safety and services for the elderly.

To ensure that Pittsburgh’s 2010 Census count is the most accurate data possible, we have created a Complete Count Committee consisting of representatives from local government, faith based groups, local businesses, educators, and community based organizations. The Committee is charged with working with community leaders to ensure that communities are accurately counted.

Your 2010 Census form will arrive in your mail box in mid-March.  I encourage you to take 10 minutes, complete the survey and mail it back by April 1, which is Census Day.  By late April, if you have not completed your census questionnaire form, workers will be sent to your home to help you complete the form.  All census workers will have federal identification which they will provide to residents immediately upon request.  To keep you safe, please do not be afraid to ask these workers to identify themselves and show their federal identification prior to opening your door. I also encourage you, when approached by census workers, to provide the most accurate information possible.

To help undertake this large effort, the Pittsburgh Local Census Office is working to promote employment by hiring temporary part-time census takers.  In Allegheny County alone, they are looking to recruit 1,000 people.

The positions offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training, and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work.  As a census taker, you’ll play a vital role in making sure that everyone is counted. If you are interested in applying to become a census worker, please call 412-770-3360 or visit http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/.

Sincerely,

Luke Ravenstahl