C2ER ACCRA Cost of Living Index, 2011 Annual Averag - January 24, 2012

This report represents the 5th edition of a new format for the ACCRA Cost of Living Index. Beginning with the 4th quarter of 2007, C2ER - The Council for Community and Economic Research - publishes and unweighted average of data accumulated from the 3 pricing periods during the previous year. The data represent average prices submitted for the first 3 quarters of 2011.

Among the 314 urban areas that have participated in the 20 11 ACCRA Cost of Living Index, the after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living ranged from more than twice the national average in New York (Manhattan) NY to 19 percent below the national average in Harlingen TX. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is published quarterly by C2ER. Full story»

2011 Salary Survey Available

The 2011 survey lists salary and benefit information for more than 139 government jobs, as well as comparable private sector jobs. This annual publication serves as a valuable planning tool for local governments. 60 government entities participated in this year's survey.

Copies of the salary survey cost $350 for government agencies that didn't participate in the survey and $500 for others. If your governmental entity participates in the survey, the report cost is only $100, saving your agency $250. If your organization would like to participate in the 2012 survey, please contact Dorothy Pope, Director of Financial Affairs, at 816/701-8206.

The survey can be purchased online. If you are not sure whether your agency qualifies for the government rate, contact Terry Anderson, 816/701-8250, prior to ordering.

2010 Census Redistricting Data Program

The Census Bureau has a program that affords state officials an opportunity before each decennial census to define the small areas for which they wish to receive census population totals for redistricting purposes. This data is incrementally being published for the public to view in early 2011 through an interactive map tool. Full story and map»

 

2010 Census Data for the MARC Region

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released population data from the 2010 Census for both Kansas and Missouri. In the coming months, local and state governments will use this data to redraw voting districts to ensure balanced representation. This process, called redistricting, happens after every decennial census. 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 2012

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 2012: February 14, 2012

Expressing one’s love to another is a celebrated custom on Valentine’s Day; whereby sweethearts and family members present gifts to one another, such as cards, candy, flowers and other symbols of affection. Opinions differ as to who was the original Valentine, but the most popular theory is that he was a clergyman who was executed for secretly marrying couples in ancient Rome. In A.D. 496, Pope Gelasius I declared Feb. 14 as Valentine Day. Esther Howland, a native of Massachusetts, is given credit for selling the first mass-produced valentine cards in the 1840s. The spirit continues today with even young children exchanging valentine’s cards with their fellow classmates. Full story»

Irish-American Heritage Month (March) and St. Patrick’s Day (March 17): 2012

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 commemorating the occasion each year.Full story»