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 For the 1960, 1970, and 1980 censuses, the Census Bureau offered local officials the opportunity to submit ED plans for consideration when it prepared field assignment maps. Some committees participated in this voluntary program, and the Census Bureau subsequently tabulated decennial census data for EDs. During the 1970s, a few committees became involved in the definition of BGs and the related numbering of census blocks through their work with the GBF/DIME-Files. In 1975, the Census Bureau recognized the broadening responsibilities of the Census Tract Committees by renaming them Census Statistical Areas Committees. For the 1980 census, the Census Bureau asked the CSACs to review its recommended revisions to CCD plans in metropolitan areas. The present status of the CSACs is the result of decades of evolution with increasing levels of participation in the delineation of small-area geographic units.

Although local census statistical areas committees are one of the most important groups involved in the definition of small-area geography, they are not the only ones. State, tribal, and local officials and agencies who participate in the Census Bureau’s geographic areas programs also play important roles. Over the years, their involvement has produced invaluable contributions to the Census Bureau’s geographic framework of legal/administrative entities and statistical entities.

By means of the Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS), the Census Bureau maintains an inventory of local general-purpose governments (counties, MCDs, and incorporated places) and obtains up-to-date information on their boundaries and status. The success of the BAS program is due to the cooperation of thousands of State, county, and municipal officials (see, “Places”). Another cooperative effort is the 1990 Census Redistricting Data Program, in which 46 State governments identified their election districts, precincts, legislative districts, and wards—generically termed voting districts (VTDs)—in Notes and References Sources of Local Assistance3-5