Nancy,

I think there was a Federal Notice in May or June asking for comments on proposed criteria. I would think there would be some discussion there regarding this potential. My hunch is that the issues with ACS preclude it from being used for MSA definitional changes, at least on a year to year basis. However, I imagine anything is possible.

I recall that there is some consideration for intercensal updates of urban areas – something like 5 years after the initial definitions (2012 for initial 2017 for update). I am not sure if OMB considered the same potential update time period in their proposed rules.

From: ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Nancy Reger
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 4:31 PM
To: ctpp-news@chrispy.net
Subject: [CTPP] using the ACS to define metro areas

Does anyone know whether metro areas, or whatever they are called, will be adjusted annually based on results of the ACS county level data? Or what data will be used in the definitions? Historically it’s been based on the decennial census numbers about county commuter patterns and population growth.

Nancy Reger, AICP

Assistant Director, Transportation

Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission

111 Liberty St. Suite 100

Columbus, Ohio 43215

p (614) 233-4154 / e nreger@morpc.org