Census Bureau Changes

The Dept. of Commerce today announced:

Today, the Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau announced the first realignment of its national field office structure in 50 years and management reforms that will improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance data quality. The changes will take place gradually over the next 18 months and reduce the number of regional offices from 12 to six, saving an estimated $15 million to $18 million annually beginning in 2014.

Philadelphia comes out ahead in this program. Currently the Philadelphia regional census office covers Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. Under the reform, the Philadelphia office will cover those three states plus Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

For more information see the official press release.