The 2010 Census could have huge implications for the Portland metro area. The population increase we've seen here in Oregon since the last Census could mean another Congressional seat for the state and could also mean a larger allocation of federal funding - for every 100 citizens, Oregon will receive $1.2 million over the next 10 years.

An accurate count of citizens is critical to securing these resources. Together with County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury, Nick co-chairs the "Complete Count Committee." The Committee is working with local nonprofits, including Human Solutions and the Urban League of Portland, to connect with hard to count populations and secure as complete a count as possible.

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette will administer the project's budget, which so far includes $25,000 from the City and a matching $25,000 from the County. Nick and Commissioner Kafoury hope to secure another $100,000 from the community.

Speaking with Andy Giegerich of the Portland Business Journal late last week, Nick said "we're telling them that, because billions are at stake, we can leverage that money beyond their wildest dreams."