The American Community Survey (ACS) is a critical tool that, like the US Census, counts populations and generates data that help determine how more than $675 billion in federal and state funds are distributed each year. Your response is vital to measuring what the Berkshires needs – affordable housing, better quality employment options, transportation, care providers – and to secure political representatives to advocate for us on Beacon Hill and beyond.
The ACS provides data on the number of people living in poverty, the availability of affordable housing, and the educational attainment of the population.
This information is used by government agencies to allocate funding for important programs and services, such as Head Start, Medicaid, housing and educational programs to support areas and populations that need it the most.