Thanks for the excellent question! For CTPP 2000, FHWA contracted for the TAZ-UP software directly, but this time, it is part of the FHWA Interagency Agreement with the Census Bureau. For THIS ROUND OF CTPP, the Census Bureau Geography Division is hiring a contractor to develop the software for TAZ (and TAD) delineation. The CB has asked me not to mention the contractor, as they may still be in negotiations. Just as a reminder: The Base TAZs are going to be limited to block equivalencies. Originally, we thought that TAZs were going to be defined in 2009 and would have allowed for modifications to segments, but this process was shifted to 2011, which is closer in time to the CTPP small area tabulation (using ACS from 2006-2010). One of the major factors in moving this task to 2011 was that the CB raised their cost estimate for the software and incorporation into TIGER by a very high margin in summer 2008. (I don't remember exactly, but it was something on the order of $100,000 more than the original estimate). Elaine Murakami 206-220-4460 ________________________________ From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of James Galvin Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 1:10 PM To: ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net Subject: RE: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation business rules Penelope: I found the following in my read through and added a correction. I don't remember reviewing the first. Is this a RFP for mapping software to be made available top MPO's (and DOT'S)? Page 4, Section IV B. Ancillary (non-Census) Data Users must be allowed to import and display the following kinds of data files for use as a reference when delineating TAZ entities: Jim James J. Galvin, Jr. AICP Dover/Kent County MPO 302.387.6030 (ph) ________________________________ From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Weinberger, Penelope Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 2:28 PM To: ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net Subject: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation business rules Hi All, The Census Bureau asked us to refine this document to help them with their software development effort. There was a three step process and this is step two. Step three will be the formal version of the attached memo, due to Census Bureau in early 2010. At this time we are seeking input on this memo for the formal version. Please reply directly to me with your comments. Please reply by January 8th, 2010 Thanks! Penelope Weinberger CTPP Program Manager AASHTO 202-624-3556 http://ctpp.transportation.org/home/default.htm <http://www.transportation.org> It's just as bad to not make a plan as to blindly follow the one you already have.

Census will still be working on the 2010 Census Block boundary shape files for a while. I believe they will not be released by Census until spring 2011, when the block data itself is first released for redistricting purposes. Pete Swensson, Senior Planner Thurston Regional Planning Council 2424 Heritage Ct. SW Olympia, WA 98502 (360) 741-2530 (direct line) (360) 956-7575 (main desk) (360) 956-7815 (fax) swenssp(a)trpc.org This e-mail and any attachments are for the use of the addressed individual. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify our systems manager. TRPC has taken responsible precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this e-mail, however we do not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from the use of this e-mail or attachments. From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Nancy Reger Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 8:29 AM To: ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net Subject: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation business rules--- is there a shape file or 2010 census blocks? Penelope-we will review the document you sent and get back to you with comments- however, I know now it would be helpful to us if we could have a shape file of the 2010 census block boundaries. We will need to review our TAZ structure and would like to be able to see how the block geography has changed before doing that if possible. Are you able to help us or provide some direction? Nancy 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(a)morpc.org Get Counted on April 1, 2010 "10 questions, 10 minutes, 10 years of representation" http://www.morpc.org/census2010/ From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Weinberger, Penelope Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 2:28 PM To: Subject: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation business rules Hi All, The Census Bureau asked us to refine this document to help them with their software development effort. There was a three step process and this is step two. Step three will be the formal version of the attached memo, due to Census Bureau in early 2010. At this time we are seeking input on this memo for the formal version. Please reply directly to me with your comments. Please reply by January 8th, 2010 Thanks! Penelope Weinberger CTPP Program Manager AASHTO 202-624-3556 http://ctpp.transportation.org/home/default.htm It's just as bad to not make a plan as to blindly follow the one you already have.

State totals only are released by the end of the decennial year so that the number of seats in congress can be apportioned. The TIGER line files for the 2010 blocks are expected to be released around March 2011 along with the PL 94-171 block data. See http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ctpp/sr0909.htm . Pete Swensson, Senior Planner Thurston Regional Planning Council 2424 Heritage Ct. SW Olympia, WA 98502 (360) 741-2530 (direct line) (360) 956-7575 (main desk) (360) 956-7815 (fax) swenssp(a)trpc.org This e-mail and any attachments are for the use of the addressed individual. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify our systems manager. TRPC has taken responsible precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this e-mail, however we do not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from the use of this e-mail or attachments. From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Frank Lenk Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 12:39 PM To: ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net Subject: RE: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineationbusinessrules--- is there a shape file or 2010 census blocks? The PL 94-171 data used for redistricting has, in the past anyway, had to be released by block by the end of the decennial year. One would hope that if they are tabulating the data by block, the shapefiles that define those blocks would be available sometime earlier. I don't remember when this occurred in 2000, though, and haven't seen a schedule for TIGER releases. Has anyone else? We've had requests from our member governments to know what their final, approved 2010 tract and block group boundaries are as soon as possible. Frank Lenk Director of Research Services Mid-America Regional Council 600 Broadway, Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64105 www.marc.org 816.474.4240 flenk(a)marc.org 816.701.8237 From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Pete Swensson Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 11:46 AM To: ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net Subject: RE: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation businessrules--- is there a shape file or 2010 census blocks? Census will still be working on the 2010 Census Block boundary shape files for a while. I believe they will not be released by Census until spring 2011, when the block data itself is first released for redistricting purposes. Pete Swensson, Senior Planner Thurston Regional Planning Council 2424 Heritage Ct. SW Olympia, WA 98502 (360) 741-2530 (direct line) (360) 956-7575 (main desk) (360) 956-7815 (fax) swenssp(a)trpc.org This e-mail and any attachments are for the use of the addressed individual. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify our systems manager. TRPC has taken responsible precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this e-mail, however we do not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from the use of this e-mail or attachments. From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Nancy Reger Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 8:29 AM To: ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net Subject: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation business rules--- is there a shape file or 2010 census blocks? Penelope-we will review the document you sent and get back to you with comments- however, I know now it would be helpful to us if we could have a shape file of the 2010 census block boundaries. We will need to review our TAZ structure and would like to be able to see how the block geography has changed before doing that if possible. Are you able to help us or provide some direction? Nancy 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(a)morpc.org Get Counted on April 1, 2010 "10 questions, 10 minutes, 10 years of representation" http://www.morpc.org/census2010/ From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Weinberger, Penelope Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 2:28 PM To: Subject: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation business rules Hi All, The Census Bureau asked us to refine this document to help them with their software development effort. There was a three step process and this is step two. Step three will be the formal version of the attached memo, due to Census Bureau in early 2010. At this time we are seeking input on this memo for the formal version. Please reply directly to me with your comments. Please reply by January 8th, 2010 Thanks! Penelope Weinberger CTPP Program Manager AASHTO 202-624-3556 http://ctpp.transportation.org/home/default.htm It's just as bad to not make a plan as to blindly follow the one you already have.

Curt: I hope my jumping in here doesn't cross with similar responses from others. I am on the CTPP subcommittee putting together this set of "business rules," aka "software requirements." What Census will need from MPOs, DOTs, and any consultants working in their behalf, is which Census 2010 blocks belong in which TAZs - hence the correspondence table. Any who want CTPP data for their TAZs will need to delineate them, but it may be that not every MPO wishes to delineate TAZs for the CTPP dataset, so that is optional. Some MPOs/DOTs may want to continue to use the same TAZs they had in 2000, and that would be fine too. The reference to 600 minimum is there because TAZs with fewer residents or workers may be subject to a margin of error that is large enough to be of concern. This will simply be a guideline rather than a minimum allowed, because many TAZs need to be small in order to meet local modeling needs. About half of all TAZs nationwide are actually below 600 in size. Employment center TAZs may have few or no residents (here in Olympia, the State Capitol Campus has thousands of workers but only one residence), and residential neighborhood TAZs may have few or no workers. That is how it should be for modeling purposes. You will be able to define TAZs to meet your needs. The software will be very similar to PSAP. There will be some added capabilities, such as the ability to import your own datasets connected to the geography - e.g., if you have current employment estimates by TAZ to substitute for 2000 vintage ones. Unlike PSAP, the software will limit us to using aggregations of 2010 Census blocks to form TAZs. If I remember correctly, PSAP allowed creating boundaries for Census Designated Places that didn't necessarily follow the firm rules that govern Census Blocks (i.e., must be able to see it on the ground, such as streets, rivers, power lines, etc.). I don't remember if PSAP allowed other examples of varying from Census Blocks, since I tried to create a set of proposed Tract and Block Group boundaries that would avoid raising issues at Census. Pete Swensson, Senior Planner Thurston Regional Planning Council 2424 Heritage Ct. SW Olympia, WA 98502 (360) 741-2530 (direct line) (360) 956-7575 (main desk) (360) 956-7815 (fax) swenssp(a)trpc.org This e-mail and any attachments are for the use of the addressed individual. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify our systems manager. TRPC has taken responsible precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this e-mail, however we do not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from the use of this e-mail or attachments. From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Curt Hutchings Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 12:19 PM To: ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net Subject: [CTPP] RE: Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation businessrules Penelope, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft rules. Section I. Purpose seems to be contradictory to Section III. TAZ in that Section I. says "In support of the Census Transportation Planning Products (CTPP) the U.S. DOT and the U.S. Census Bureau will obtain census 2010 block equivalencies for Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs) from Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and State Departments of Transportation in 2011." While Section III. says in the second paragraph under 'B' that "MPOs are not required to define TAZs;..." Also, We at the Dixie MPO in the St. George Utah area have used the services of consultants to help us with modeling and most recently with TAZ delineation. As others have mentioned the draft states that there is a guideline minimum of 600 resident worker population. Though it is a guideline it may be somewhat difficult for us to adhere to because we have such a large population of 'Seniors' that have moved to the area to retire. Therefore a large tract or development catering to 'Seniors' may actually have very few resident workers. I participated in a similar process with PSAP a few months ago. Will this process be similar and what is the best way to tie both processes together? Thanks, From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Weinberger, Penelope Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 12:28 PM To: ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net Subject: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation business rules Hi All, The Census Bureau asked us to refine this document to help them with their software development effort. There was a three step process and this is step two. Step three will be the formal version of the attached memo, due to Census Bureau in early 2010. At this time we are seeking input on this memo for the formal version. Please reply directly to me with your comments. Please reply by January 8th, 2010 Thanks! Penelope Weinberger CTPP Program Manager AASHTO 202-624-3556 http://ctpp.transportation.org/home/default.htm <http://console.mxlogic.com/redir/?1h7f8FFEK6QhRQQnPo0eQRBKD7okmH6uPBm70 0s9Rl_4ftRI-v04dTVeZXTKOMOOrKrJdpoL3P52V2Hsbvg5m9NBhoJMddKeczAPqarVEV7fc zDCjrzVIQJyg92MmdbFEw6_lGq89Rd40BYadQd40OT7Zrd44v8X52k29EwgY-kfSsGMd411K AEvixEwySvZ3s_3VU3zq9JcSyUed78VZAQsCWPa96cYw> It's just as bad to not make a plan as to blindly follow the one you already have.

Hi Matt -- We have an ESTIMATED worker count for 2000, based on TAZ totals and distributed by proportion of land area of the blocks in that TAZ. We will NOT have block level estimated worker counts from ACS. Elaine ________________________________ From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net on behalf of Gates, Matt Sent: Thu 12/10/2009 12:33 PM To: ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net Subject: [CTPP] RE: Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation businessrules Penelope, I would like to reiterate what others have said regarding TAZs with less than 600 residents. Most MPOs will have many zones below this threshold (e.g. airports, parks, shopping centers, corporate campuses, future growth areas, etc). The software should allow users to enter comments for TAZs that do not meet this threshold. These comments should be included in the report that is generated for the Census Bureau's review. A similar feature was included in the PSAP software. Section II.A implies that counts of workers at their workplace location from the 2000 Census are (or will be) available at the Census Block level. Can you confirm this? Will ACS data at the workplace location (also) be available by Census Block? Section III.I states that TAZ numbers may be 8 characters long. Is this 8 character limit in addition to a state and county code. We intend to number our 2010 TAZ's with a 2-digit state code, followed by a 3-digit county code, followed by 4 digits to identify the TAZs in each county. (We would like to use FIPS codes for state and county). This would result in a 9-digit TAZ number. We are a bi-state agency, but even single-state MPOs may want to include traffic zones from outside their jurisdictions as external stations and could benefit by incorporating state and county FIPS codes into their TAZ numbering. Thank-you Matthew T. Gates Senior Transportation Engineer Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission The ACP Building 190 North Independence Mall West Philadelphia, PA 19106-2582 Direct: 215-238-2911 Fax: 215-592-9125 E-Mail: mgates(a)dvrpc.org www.dvrpc.org <http://www.dvrpc.org/> ________________________________ From: ctpp-news-bounces(a)chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Weinberger, Penelope Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 2:28 PM To: ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net Subject: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation business rules Hi All, The Census Bureau asked us to refine this document to help them with their software development effort. There was a three step process and this is step two. Step three will be the formal version of the attached memo, due to Census Bureau in early 2010. At this time we are seeking input on this memo for the formal version. Please reply directly to me with your comments. Please reply by January 8th, 2010 Thanks! Penelope Weinberger CTPP Program Manager AASHTO 202-624-3556 http://ctpp.transportation.org/home/default.htm <http://www.transportation.org/> It's just as bad to not make a plan as to blindly follow the one you already have.