HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/2/2000 - STAFF REPORTS (18) DATE: February 2, 2000
TO: City Council
FROM: Director of Planning and Building
APPOINTMENT OF A COMMITTEE TO INCREASE COMMUNITY AWARENESS,
SUPPORT, AND PARTICIPATION IN CENSUS 2000.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council appoint a Census 2000 committee to increase community awareness, support,
and participation in Census 2000.
Overview of Census 2000
Every ten years, the federal government conducts a Census to determine the population size in an area
as well as to collect data on the composition of the population(etluiicity, age, education level, etc) and
data on the type of housing the population resides in. This information is used to determine
representation in the United States House of Representatives. Additionally, this information is used as
an input in determining the distribution of federal funds to municipalities. Federally funded programs
include Head Start, Medicare, child care and public transportation. In Palm Springs, each person
counted equals $150 dollars per year in federal revenue.
Objective of the Committee
The objective of the Committee is to increase community awareness, support, and participation in
Census 2000 so as to obtain a"full count." Many members of the community may be fearful of
completing a Census questionnaire, may be unable to complete the questionnaire without assistance, or
may not receive mail thus not receive a questionnaire. This will be the portion of the population that the
Committee will focus on making aware of the Census. In promoting awareness, the Committee will
explain that all Census information is private and will not be released to anyone, including government
agencies. The Committee will also create an awareness of where City residents can obtain free, local
assistance in completing their questionnaire. The Committee will meet through April, meeting
approximately once every other week.
Committee Composition
The Conunittee will be comprised of representatives of some of the City's appointed boards as well as
representatives of various community groups. More specifically, the Committee should consist of a
representative of each of the follow City Boards, community groups, or others appointed by City
Council.
City Council
Palm Springs International Airport Commission
Historic Site Preservation Board
Human Rights Commission
Library Board
Parks and Recreation Commission I
Planning Commission
Public Arts Commission I �
Rent Review
Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
African American Chamber of Commerce
Coachella Valley Mexican American Chamber of Commerce
Catholic Charities
Jewish Family Service
Salvation Army
Interfaith Council
Desert Highland/Gateway Association
Palm Springs Apartment Owners Association
Palm Springs Coalition of Neighborhoods
United Way
Palm Springs Boys and Girls Club
Palm Springs Unified School District
Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department
Palm Springs Police Department
Palm Springs Fire Department
Palm Springs Community Preservation Officer
Upon the creation of the Census 2000 Committee, a letter will be sent to the Chairman of each
commission, board, or board of directors announcing a meeting date. By involving a large and diverse
group of residents in the Census 2000 Committee, the City will be able to accomplish the education
necessary to help ensure a"full count."
In addition to these City and/or community groups the City's employees play an important role.
Employees, especially police, fire,parks and recreation, and community preservation officers are in
daily contact with citizens, some of which represent groups that have been historically under counted.
Dougla . Evans
Director of Planning & Building
11690 K&
Dallas J. Flicek
Interim City Manager
Attachment:
l. Draft Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 19736
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA APPOINTING A CENSUS 2000 COMMITTEE TO
INCREASE COMMUNITY AWARENESS, SUPPORT, AND
PARTICIPATION IN CENSUS 2000.
WHEREAS the next decennial Census will be taken in 2000, and
WHEREAS,representation to the United States House ofRepresentatives will be based on the population
amount reported in the Census; and
WHEREAS,federal, state, and county funding to municipalities,including funding for Head Start,
Medicare,child care and public transportation, is often derived from the population amount reported in
the Census; and
WHEREAS,it is in the interest ofthe City ofPalm Springs to increase community awareness,support,and
participation in Census 2000 so as to ensure fair and proportional representation in the United States House
of Representative and fair and proportional federal funding.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council ofthe City ofPalm Springs,that a Census
2000 Committee comprised ofrepresentatives of City commissions,boards,and community organizations
as described in the City Council Report dated February2,2000 is appointed for the purpose of increasing
community awareness, support, and participation in Census 2000.
ADOPTED this 2"d day of January, 2000.
AYES: Members Jones, Hodges, Oden, Reller-Spurgin and Mayor Kleindienst
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
By
City Clerk City Manager
REVIEWED &APPROVED AS TO FORM
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