This report is to update the City Council on the activities of the Census 2000 Community Outreach Committee and to seek approve of a Resolution in support of Census 2000.

On February 9, 1999, the City of Sunnyvale formed and appointed Census 2000 Outreach Committee in response to the Census Bureau's request. The purpose of the Committee is to ensure an accurate census count of Sunnyvale's population. The goals of the Committee are:

• To make everyone in Sunnyvale aware of Census 2000.
• To motivate residents to participate by filling out the census form and returning it immediately.
• To develop a plan of action to support Census 2000 operations, recruiting and promotion.
• To implement activities that will improve census participation by all residents.
• To augment media programs, publicity and promotions by the Census Bureau.

The Community Development Department is providing staff support to the Census 2000 Community Outreach Committee. The Committee has been actively meeting and developing strategic plans to ensure an accurate census count of Sunnyvale. They have committed to achieve a 100% count for Sunnyvale.

The Committee has established partnerships with businesses, schools, churches, associations and other organizations in support of the outreach efforts. Some Committee members attended a Census Bureau sponsored two-day training in Sacramento. In addition, the Committee has formed a partnership with the Census Bureau to ensure that there is a cohesive and organized team effort in achieving the same goal of an accurate census count. Staff has provided assistance in facilitating the Census Bureau's recruiting and training efforts. Articles about the Census have been published in some of the City's department and business newsletters.

The Census Bureau has two offices in Sunnyvale supporting Santa Clara County. They will celebrate the opening of one of their offices in Sunnyvale on Friday, January 7, 2000. The Bureau is expecting attendance from Congressional and Senate Representatives, the County Board of Supervisors and city officials from throughout Santa Clara County. The Bureau is requesting participation in this event from the City Council and the Committee. The City's participation will demonstrate its support of the complete census count efforts.

To kick off the Census awareness and outreach activities planned for the coming year, the Census 2000 Community Outreach Committee and the Census Bureau will be participating in the Celebrate Sunnyvale 2000 Parade on Saturday, January 8, 2000.

The Census 2000 Community Outreach Committee and the Census Bureau are jointly requesting full support of all of the efforts to assure awareness and a complete count. Staff recommends approval of the attached Resolution supporting the Census 2000 and City participation in the opening of the Census Bureau opening event.

No fiscal impact other than staff hours budgeted to support the committee and some cost of promotional materials.

This Report was included as part of the City Council Agenda. Copies of the report were also sent to the Library; Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce; Census Bureau and was published in the Sunnyvale Web Site.

Alternative 1.

Prepared by:

Alice G. Gamboa
Principal Office Assistant

Reviewed by:

Trudi Ryan
Planning Officer

Reviewed by:

David S. Boesch, Jr.
Director, Community Development

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager