The Voice of Southwest Louisiana September 2018 Issue

SWLA news
Editor’s Note: This series of articles provided by Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning
& Development Commission (IMCAL) will inform, educate and update our readers on
events affecting transportation and economic development in Southwest Louisiana.
Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning
& Development Commission
2020 Census
By Cheri L. Soileau, AICP, Executive/MPO Director
I
hope that everyone is
attending the meetings
about the I-210 Bridge.
DOTD is working hard to
ensure confirmation is being
shared.
This month, we are going
to talk about the 2020
Census.
Every ten years, the Federal
government counts
citizens, and not just for
pure numbers but a variety
of reasons. The census
ensures that a community/
region/state gets the correct
representation in Congress.
There are areas in the
country that will gain or lose
representatives in the US
House based on the increase
or decrease of population.
Undercounting can ensure
data and leave regions underrepresented.
The census determines
how federal dollars are
distributed to a state, and
not only highway but health
care, law enforcement and
educational funding. The
data also forecasts more
than just the number of
people, it also helps with
the distribution of funds.
That’s why the census asks
about income, number
of people in a household,
race, orientation and other
information. After the data
is analyzed, new legislation
and/or funding sources may
be established because the
data has now shown a need.
The key words are “shown a
need.” The census also shows
transparency in governmentmeaning
everybody can see
how representation is done
and how funds are distributed.
The census also helps with
economic development.
Businesses look at census
data for trends and to see if
their business would work
in the city/town or region.
Not only does this bring
new business to the area,
these new businesses bring
jobs. Businesses will come
to areas that have the most
comprehensive data, so
they ensure success for their
business.
The state and local
governments use this
information to update
their records for
emergency preparedness
and evacuation. When
first responders and law
enforcement know where
people live and, more
importantly, if there are
citizens who are physicallychallenged
or seniors, they
can prepare and make sure
these sensitive groups are
taken care of immediately.
Census data also shows trends
and can help communities
plan for growth and ensure
they plan for that growth.
IMCAL, along with the
parishes and cities
throughout Southwest
Louisiana, will be working
in establishing census
counting committees. These
committees will assist in
getting the word out to
citizens about the importance
of participating on the census.
The data collected is not of
a personal nature but purely
demographic, and to ensure
funding and services are
appropriate to the area.
We will be sharing more
information as we get closer
to the census but if you have
questions or want more
information, please feel free to
call us at 337-433-1771.
Cheri L. Soileau, AICP,
Executive/MPO Director
Imperial Calcasieu
Regional Planning &
Development Commission
Lake Charles Urbanized
Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO)
4310 Ryan Street, Suite 330
Lake Charles LA 70605
O: 337-433-1771
C: 469-964-2015
www.imcal.la
Volume 6 • Number 2 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM September 2018 5