Thank you to everyone that participated in the Mid-Region Council of Governments’ public survey about transportation. This survey ended on February 12, 2010. There were 3,648 respondents. Many people took the time to provide in depth comments. Here are some survey result highlights:

Traffic Congestion

A little over a third of respondents would say that traffic congestion during their daily commute was a “very serious” problem or a “serious” problem. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents report having changed the time they leave in order to avoid traffic congestion. A fifth (20%) report having taken the bus in order to avoid congestion.

And, each one of us has something very important in common.

We will receive a 2010 Census questionnaire in the mail, most likely in March. Filling out the census form is absolutely critical for New Mexicans, as New Mexico ranks #1 among the “hard to count” populations by state, according to the Census Bureau. Being a “hard to count” state led to a large undercount in 2000, which means lost opportunities for our people. You see, the 2010 Census determines, among many things, the level of federal assistance we receive for federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, funding for transportation, hospitals and more.

Need more information? Visit the Census 2010 website where you can view (but not fill out) the census form online, watch videos, and read details on how the census affects our region, state, and nation.

Make sure you receive a census form, make sure you fill it out, and spread the word to your friends and neighbors. Stand up and be counted!