This program provides government finance data for state and local governments. This survey is conducted annually, as a national census every five years, and as a sample survey in each of the four intervening years. The Census Bureau provides these data to the Federal Reserve Board for constructing the Nation's Flow of Funds Accounts and the Bureau of Economic Analysis for the National Income and Product Accounts. The data are also used to monitor the government sector of the economy and to formulate, develop, and review public policy. Federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector all use these data. The respondents to this survey are state and local government officials.
This request includes the finance portion of the 2017 Census of Governments, which occurs every five years and covers the universe of approximately 77,000 governmental units compared to the roughly 11,000 units covered in each of the sample years. The previous request did not include a Census, and thus the burden was significantly less.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
State & Local Government Finance Forms