We're hearing a lot this month about the need to be "Be Counted" in the census. Vantage Properties is teaming up with the U.S. Census Bureau to make sure all of our residents are counted in this critical population survey - which determines a vast range of government services and political representation.
Many of our residents speak Spanish as a primary language, so we're working closely with the Census Bureau to remind them that census data - by Federal law - cannot be used for immigration matters in any way. The law is strict: Census information about specific individuals cannot be shared with other government agencies.
The "Be Counted" education campaign is now moving into full gear, so residents will understand what's happening when they begin receiving the ten-question census form next year.
The questions are simple and unintrusive as they seek basic information on how many people live in an apartment, whether residents own or rent and basic information about race and ethnicity. There is nothing at all about immigration status or dates of immigration.
The census is required by the U.S. Constitution, and has been used a governing tool since the dawn of civilization. Consider these critical facts, which have direct impact on the government services:
- The U.S. government will distribute3 trillion - at a rate of300 billion a year - to states and communities based on population data obtained solely through the census
- City officials use census population to determine where to add police, where to build new roads and where to direct funding for social services such as hospitals
- Census population data determines how many members of Congress will represent New York State
- Your local City Council members, State Assembly members and State Senators are determined by census population data
Census forms will begin arriving in mailboxes this month. The Census Bureau will then follow-up with home visits in April to count anyone who didn't respond through the mail.
This is a critical area where landlords and property managers can help ensure an accurate count.
We need to reassure residents that the information they provide is secret - and, critically, that we as their landlords have no access to the information they provide.
And because census-takers will be roaming through our buildings to conduct their important business we need to make our residents comfortable that their safety is not compromised in any way.
Landlords have a critical role to play in terms of educating our residents about all aspects of the census as the 2010:
- Helping residents understand why the census is so important for their own lives in terms of government services and political representation
- Reassuring residents that data they provide is secret, by law cannot be used for immigration purposes and by law cannot be show to us
- Encouraging residents to return the census forms by mail, and then to cooperate with census-takers who conduct the door-to-door count
Over the last decade, more than 1.5 million New Yorkers have left for other states. But the local population has continued to grow - thanks to the steady influx of immigrants determined to plot their own paths to the American Dream.
As their landlords, we play a central role in immigrants' ability to live that dream - beyond just providing shelter and comfort for their families. We form the centerpiece of their social communities and maintain direct, regular contact with them.
We have a responsibility to make sure they receive the government services and political representation they deserve. And the additional programs, funding and attention that result from an accurate count also help us serve our residents.
At Vantage Properties, we're excited about our new "Be Counted" partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau and encourage our colleagues in the housing community to join us in helping ensure a successful census.