American Community Survey Alert Number 8
(released October 31, 2002)
Informing you about news, events, data releases, congressional
actions, and other developments associated with the American
Community Survey (ACS).
News in this Alert
U.S. Government on Continuing Resolution
Over the past few weeks, congressional emphasis has increasingly shifted
from completed action on appropriations bills to reaching agreement on a
long-term Continuing Resolution (CR). Congress has recently passed a CR
through November 22 and will most likely return in mid-November to consider
a longer term CR or some form of "Omnibus Appropriations" that would lump
all of the 13 regular spending bills into one piece of legislation.
Remembering Dr. Charles "Chip" Alexander
"Father of the American Community Survey
It is with great sadness that we share with you that our very close friend
and colleague, Dr. Charles "Chip" Alexander, passed away on September 1,
2002. In addition to being one of the best statisticians ever to join the
Census Bureau, Chip was a devoted husband and father. Chip founded,
designed, and oversaw the development of the American Community Survey and
will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends.
The American Community Survey and Emergency Planning
How can information from the American Community Survey help emergency
response providers? What is the role that current information can play in
developing plans for recovery from natural disasters or other catastrophic
events, or in assessing the long-term impact of these events on the
economy, health, housing, and physical infrastructure, including roads,
public buildings, and utilities? Whether it's a chemical spill,
earthquake, fire, hurricane, or other event, current information on the
affected population is critical for emergency planners involved in
emergency response, disaster relief, or long-term recovery.
When fully implemented, the American Community Survey will provide federal,
state, local, and tribal government officials with up-to-date population
and housing information to help them respond to events and determine
whether such events are limited in scope or have catastrophic consequences
for an area, state, or region.
Current information on the numbers and characteristics of the population
are essential to develop emergency evacuation plans and identify what kinds
of medical assistance and other services are needed.
Here are some examples of how the American Community Survey contributes to
emergency planning.
—The American Community Survey's small-area data on commuting patterns
and schooling can provide critical information about the physical location
of the population during the day. Knowledge of daytime populations can
help planners develop appropriate strategies and procedures to route people
through and out of a city in the event of a catastrophic event, identify
the best locations for emergency shelters, or assess the need to stockpile
vital food and medical supplies.
—Information on the languages spoken in an area provides guidance on
whether flyers, electronic broadcasts, or other means of disseminating
emergency information are needed in languages other than English.
—Areas affected by catastrophic events can lose their populations
quickly. Measuring the effect of population and job losses requires an
ongoing, current source of statistics on households, housing, and
characteristics such as the availability of public utilities. As affected
areas recover, knowledge of the rate at which the local population
rebounds, if and how their characteristics have changed, and the effects of
the rebound, can help policy-makers gauge the new needs and resources, as
well as any lasting impact of the event on the local economy.
Current, accurate information is a first step in planning for and
responding to emergencies. The American Community Survey can help.
The American Community Survey in American Indian and Alaska Native Areas
American Community Survey program managers are soliciting input on proposed
plans to implement the American Community Survey in American Indian and
Alaska Native Areas. Proposed plans include visits to reservations;
discussions with tribal government officials, leaders, and other
representatives at events such as the Tribal Economic Summit held in
Phoenix, AZ, September 16-19; and meetings with the Census Bureau's
American Indian and Alaska Native Advisory Committee at the Racial and
Ethnic Advisory Committee meetings, October 2-3, 2002. The Census Bureau
recently developed a brochure and is working to produce a video to support
American Community Survey operations and outreach activities in American
Indian and Alaska Native areas. The brochure is included here as a PDF
file.
To view it, click here for the "ACSaian.pdf" attachment.
Events Update: News Conference to Preview 2001 Supplementary Survey Data
Census Bureau Director Charles Louis Kincannon is expected to announce
highlights from the 2001 Supplementary Survey at a news conference
tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 7, at the State Capitol in
Austin, Texas. Director Kincannon will present demographic and
socioeconomic changes in Texas and for the United States as a whole since
Census 2000.
Issues and Answers #4: A Discussion of the Quality of Estimates from the American Community Survey for Small Population Groups.
"Issues and Answers" provides more detailed information about issues
related to the American Community Survey. "Issues and Answers" is a
separate section for experienced data users who want more technical
information. Issues and Answers Number 4 is entitled, "Discussion of the
Quality of Estimates from the American Community Survey for Small
Population Groups." It was written by Dr. Charles (Chip) Alexander and was
in draft form at the time of his untimely death.
The paper discusses issues of data quality for small population groups from
the American Community Survey such as how to use the annually updated
multi-year averages for populations of less than 65,000, particularly
5-year averages, and how the survey design and operations affect the
quality of the statistics for smaller population groups. It also explains
why the Census Bureau and many data users consider the annually updated
estimates from the American Community Survey to be particularly
advantageous in providing clearer information about small groups. To read
the entire paper, click here for the "Issues and Answers" attachment (.pdf file).
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments about the American Community Survey
or the Census 2000 Supplementary Survey, please call 1-888-456-7215 or
e-mail
cmo.acs@census.gov.
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