"An accurate census count is vital to our community and residents' well-being by helping planners determine where to locate schools, day care centers, roads and public transportation, hospitals and other facilities, and achieving an accurate and complete count of the nation's growing and changing population", said Mayor John Warford.

More than $400 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to states and communities based, in part, on census data.

Census data help determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and often is used for the redistricting of state legislatures, county and city councils and voting districts.

The 2010 Census creates jobs that stimulate economic growth and increase employment.

The information collected by the census is confidential and protected by law. The U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

NOW THEREFORE, I, John Warford, Mayor of the City of Bismarck do proclaim that the City of Bismarck is committed to partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to help ensure a full and accurate count in 2010.

YOU Count in North Dakota. For more information about the Bismarck 2010 Census call 701-222-9464. For more information about the 2010 Census and the “Take 10” initiative, visit www.census.gov/2010