Appendix A: Recommendation from 2009 Report

A. Policy Recommendations for the U.S. Congress

Congress should hold a field hearing in the Gulf Coast region as soon as possible to examine the barriers to achieving an accurate and fair census in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and to evaluate the steps being taken to overcome those obstacles.
Congress should authorize a federally funded special census in 2012 or 2013 in designated Gulf Coast communities still recovering from Hurricane Katrina at the time of the 2010 census.

B. Operational Recommendations for Census officials

Immediately appoint a senior level Gulf Coast census coordinator to oversee final preparations and census operations in Gulf Coast communities still recovering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Increase cooperation with the U.S. Postal Service, to ensure an inclusive address list at the time of the census.
Seek assistance from the Mexican Mobile Consulate−and similar consulates from the home countries of Gulf Coast immigrants and migrant workers−in promoting census participation among these hard-to-count populations.
Consider special advertising materials and strategies for the 2010 census in targeted Gulf Coast areas, designed to address the unique set of circumstances and concerns associated with Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
Allocate additional personnel and fiscal resources, if necessary, to address greater-than-expected difficulties in conducting the census in the Gulf Coast region.