Regional Photos
Your source for data about metropolitan Kansas City

Here you will find data on the region's population, economy, social characteristics, and other areas, as well as maps of the region. In addition, Metro Dataline provides unique reports from MARC's Research Services staff, and links to other major sources of data about the Kansas City region.

On this page we'll provide news and stories from some of these other data sources, public and private, that you may also find of interest.

Latest News

 

Census News Brief No. 85 - February 1, 2010

In this issue:
* President Unveils FY2011 Budget Proposal
----Increased ACS Sample Size Proposed
* Stakeholder Spotlight
* New Resources for Census Advocates
* Quick Links.
Full story >

2010 Equality Index, State of Black Kansas City - February 3, 2010

This collaborative report by the Urban League of Greater Kansas City and the Center for Full Employment and Price Stability (a UMKC institute), documents the severe impact of one of the worst economic crisis our nation and (the Kansas City Black community) have ever experienced. This report comes at a time when economists posit that the worst of the great recession is behind us. Full story >

C2ER ACCRA Cost of Living Index, 2009 Annual - February 2, 2010

This report represents the third edition of a new format for the ACCRA Cost of Living Index. Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2007, C2ER publishes an unweighted average of data accumulated from the three pricing periods during the previous year. The data represents average prices submitted for the first three quarters of 2009. For further details on the annual average methodology, please visit C2ER's website at http://www.coli.org/Method.asp. Full story >

Census News Flash - Terry Ann Lowenthal - January 26, 2010

Community groups and local governments working to boost census response in historically hard-to-count neighborhoods will be able to target their efforts with a new web-based, interactive mapping site unveiled today by the City University of New York (CUNY) Mapping Service at the Center for Urban Research, CUNY Graduate Center. Full story >

Census Bureau: Texas Gains the Most in Population - Last State Population Estimates Before 2010 Census Counts - December 23, 2009

Texas gained more people than any other state between July 1, 2008, and July 1, 2009
(478,000), followed by California (381,000), North Carolina (134,000), Georgia (131,000) and
Florida (114,000), according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Full story >

 

Fact of the Day: About the 2010 Census

The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data guide the distribution of more than $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year. They're also used to determine Congressional apportionment and to help guide planning decisions, such as the placement of schools, hospitals, transportation, and business and industrial development. The 2010 Census questionnaire will be one of the shortest in history, consisting of 10 questions and taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict laws protect the confidentiality of respondents and the information they provide.

 

Facts for Features

 

Black (African-American) History Month - February, 2010

 

 

To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents proclaim February as National African-American History Month. Full story >

Valentine's Day - February 14, 2010

 

 

Opinions abound as to who was the original Valentine, with the most popular theory that he was a clergyman who was executed for secretly marrying couples in ancient Rome in spite of Emperor Claudius II, who felt that marriage weakened his soldiers. In any event, in A.D. 496, Pope Gelasius I declared Feb. 14 as Valentine Day. Through the centuries, the Christian holiday became a time to exchange love messages, and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. Esther Howland, a native of Massachusetts, is given credit for selling the first mass-produced valentine cards in the 1840s. The spirit of love continues today as valentines are sent with sentimental verses, from and to young and old romantics. Full story >

Irish-American Heritage Month (March) and St. Patrick’s Day (March 17): 2010

Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration for all things Irish. The world’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred on March 17, 1762, in New York City, featuring Irish soldiers serving in the English military. This parade became an annual event, with President Truman attending in 1948. Congress proclaimed March as Irish-American Heritage Month in 1995, and the President issues a proclamation each year. Full story >

Women’s History Month: March 2010

National Women’s History Month’s roots go back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women’s Day was first observed in 1909, but it wasn’t until 1981 that Congress established National Women’s History Week to be commemorated the second week of March. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month. Every year since, Congress has passed a resolution for Women’s History Month, and the President has issued a proclamation. Full story >