LUCA Survey Plan

The Census Bureau plans to conduct additional survey work under the generic clearance for Data User Evaluation Surveys (OMB number 0607-0760 expiring November 30, 2010, renewal pending).

The Census Bureau’s Geography Division (Tribal Local Geographic Partnership Branch) is planning a survey to gain feedback from governmental units that participated in the 2010 Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) Program. Survey responses will be used to gather information on what worked well and what needs improvement for the 2020 LUCA Program. The data collected will be beneficial to other partnership programs as well. Survey responses are not restricted by Title-13 confidentiality requirements.

In April, 2011, we will mail to all 10,500 participants a letter directing them to an online survey, and mail letters and printed survey forms to 1,000 participants. The recipients of paper surveys will also have the option to respond online. Mailing the survey to all 10,500 LUCA participants instead of a smaller sample will compensate for a reduction in the size of our respondent universe. The number of Highest Elected Officials and LUCA liaisons is rapidly shrinking due to recent elections and staff cutbacks due to the downturn in the economy. In addition, there is a need for a high number of respondents to accommodate the tabulation requirements set forth in the study plan. We expect 30 percent or 3,450 LUCA participants will respond. Geography staff have reviewed and internally tested the questionnaire for ease of use and content appropriateness. We estimate respondent burden at 13 minutes per questionnaire for a total respondent burden of 748 hours.

We plan to maximize response rates by including personalized letters, and 2 reminder post cards.

For further information about this study, please contact John McKay at 301-763-9167 or email at John.F.McKay@census.gov.