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 MCDs, the merger or consolidation of MCDs, and the disorganization (dissolution) of MCDs. For further information on the BAS, refer to, “Places.”

The Census Bureau attempts to maintain a set of county subdivisions that are, geographically speaking, relatively stable from one decennial census to another. In the 28 MCD States, the Census Bureau always revises the county subdivisions to reflect boundary or status changes resulting from legal or administrative actions. At the time of each BAS, the Census Bureau considers local recommendations about the boundaries and areas of any UTs that might be required to complete the MCD coverage of a State.

The establishment of CCDs in a State is a cooperative effort between the Census Bureau and State authorities. The first step usually is an expression of interest on the part of State officials and local data users, followed by consultations to determine if there are legal or constitutional requirements for maintaining the existing MCDs. The Census Bureau does not compel a State to replace its MCDs with CCDs; the decision always rests with the appropriate State officials and ultimately with the State governor.

In the 28 MCD States, the Census Bureau uses the existing legal entities as the standard county subdivision framework. To do this, it selects the type of subcounty unit—or in a few instances, more than one type—that (1) is a legally defined entity, (2) provides complete or nearly complete geographic coverage, and (3) has geographic stability.

Many MCDs function as general-purpose local governments; that is, they provide a wide range of public services to the inhabitants of a specific subcounty area. Almost all of these local governments are active and functioning; however, others may have an inactive status as governmental units, yet still constitute legal entities. In States that have no local governmental units below the county County Subdivisions8-11