Update of Statistical Area Definitions, Guidance on Their Uses

The annual update of statistical area definitions and guidance on their uses from OMB was released on December 1st. You can find the full 154 page document here.

Metropolitan/Micropolitan Statistical Area Criteria

The Office of Management and Budget recently issued a Federal Register Notice proposing changes to the criteria used for defining the metropolitan and related statistical areas. Once the criteria are finalized, the delineation process is a very mechanical one that is hard to influence. While these areas won't be defined for another 4 years or so (2013), NOW is the opportunity to comment on the criteria used to define them. Comments are due to OMB by April 13, 2009.

(Thanks, LMG.)