Obama Seeks More Census Power

President Barack Obama is seeking greater control over the 2010 Census. This opinion piece from The Wall Street Journal looks at what it could mean for the upcoming count.

1 minute read

February 15, 2009, 7:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"The decision was made last week after California Rep. Barbara Lee, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Hispanic groups complained to the White House that Judd Gregg, the Republican senator from New Hampshire slated to head Commerce, couldn't be trusted to conduct a complete Census. The National Association of Latino Officials said it had 'serious questions about his willingness to ensure that the 2010 Census produces the most accurate possible count.'"

"Anything that threatens the integrity of the Census has profound implications. Not only is it the basis for congressional redistricting, it provides the raw data by which government spending is allocated on everything from roads to schools. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also uses the Census to prepare the economic data that so much of business relies upon. 'If the original numbers aren't as hard as possible, the uses they're put to get fuzzier and fuzzier,' says Bruce Chapman, who was director of the Census in the 1980s."

Friday, February 13, 2009 in The Wall Street Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Real estate listings in window of Forbes Properties office.

How Housing as a Financial Product Harms Communities

Institutional buyers who treat housing as an investment product become disconnected from the impacts of higher rents, displacement, and housing instability.

45 minutes ago - Strong Towns

Bright car headlights with glare at night.

Blinded by the Light: When Brighter Headlights Decrease Safety

Bright LED headlights can create glare and reduce visibility for other drivers and pedestrians.

1 hour ago - Vox

Coronavirus Driver

Study Links Covid and Poor Driving

The effects of the virus, including ‘brain fog,’ can make driving more difficult and dangerous.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA