When you filled out the census form, you made a statement about what resources your community needs going forward.

Accurate data reflecting changes in your community are crucial in apportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and deciding how more than $400 billion per year is allocated for projects such as new hospitals and schools.

That's more than $4 trillion over a 10-year period for new roads and schools, and services such as job training centers.

People from many walks of life use census data to advocate for causes, rescue disaster victims, prevent diseases, research markets, locate skilled workers and more.

When you do the math, it's easy to see what an accurate count of residents can do for your community. Better infrastructure. More services. A brighter tomorrow for everyone. In fact, the census determines how federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services such as:

• Hospitals
• Job training centers
• Schools
• Senior centers
• Bridges, tunnels and other public works projects
• Emergency services

For more information on why we need the 2010 census, visit the 2010 Census website here.