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Public Prodding Worked

Posted: 2:13 PM Aug 5, 2010

Organizers of a new survey say many Michigan's local governments worked to boost participation in the 2010 census by actively encouraging residents to respond to the 10-question form.

Results of the Michigan Public Policy Survey of officials from about 1,300 jurisdictions released Thursday found 54 percent reported working actively to promote the census. About 70 percent of the largest ones reported taking such actions.

The survey was conducted this spring by the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy at the University of Michigan in partnership with the Michigan Association of Counties, the Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan Townships Association.

Michigan had the country's fifth-best mail participation rate, with 77 percent sending back forms.