Hello CTPP community –

Earlier this month I received a copy of a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau, which was sent to our Director of Research Services, Dr. Frank Lenk. The letter (attached) is an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census Participant Statistical Areas Program (PSAP). If you work for a State DOT, MPO or other transportation planning agency, hopefully you or one of your colleagues have received a letter like this.

Why is this important? Because, in January 2018 the CTPP Oversight Board officially announced that data sets following the 2012-2016 data set expected in 2019 will not contain small geography at the Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) and Transportation Analysis District (TAD) levels. We are adopting the standard Census Block Group for future data tabulations. Since the Block Group will take on greater importance for modeling and other planning analyses, it’s important for transportation planners to get involved with their delineation for the 2020 Census!

If you haven’t received or seen a letter like the attached example, ask around within your agency or contact the US Census Bureau to get involved. PSAP delineation doesn’t officially start until January 2019, but don’t delay!

Regards,

Jim Hubbell, AICP

Principal Planner

Mid-America Regional Council

600 Broadway, Suite 200

Kansas City, MO  64105-1659 

816.701.8319 voice

816.421.7758 fax