This report is part of a continuing series  designed to provide information on the  structure, function, employment, and  finances of the United States’ nearly 90,000 state and local governments.  The U.S. Census Bureau produces data  quinquennially as part of the Census of  Governments in years ending in “2” and  “7.” Additional statistics are produced  annually and quarterly during the intercen- sal period from data collected from a series  of surveys. These surveys provide a wealth  of information on state and local govern- ment employment and financial activity.