The Ames Census 2000 office kicked off its operations Wednesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and cheers of “Claim Ames!”

Local officials said they have high hopes of becoming one of the first areas in the country to complete the nationwide survey conducted every 10 years.

In a speech at the opening, Bob Kindred, assistant city manager, said census officials in Ames are stressing the importance of students claiming Ames as their official residence.

Ames is precariously close to topping the 50,000 mark in population, a figure Kindred said is very important to prospective businesses in order to be considered for many grants.

“The city government receives benefits if it exceeds a population of 50,000 people. Such benefits are that new stores will open in the area, and there will be additional funding for city operations and human services,” he said.

Kindred said it’s crucial that ISU students mark Ames as their place of residence to boost the city’s census numbers.

Reaching the 50,000 mark in population would bring increased funding for services that students use, such as CyRide, Kindred said.

“With less pressure on inside funding, there will be less of a need to use student funds, easing financial responsibilities of [the Government of the Student Body] and providing funding for other student services. The process is by law, completely confidential, easing the process of counting everyone living in the United States,” he said.

Dennis Johnson, assistant regional census manager, emphasized the role people play in the process, and he said Iowa typically is one of the fastest states to complete its operations.

“Technology has not really changed the way the census is taken; that is really about people. We need lots of help throughout neighborhoods,” Johnson said.

The role of local help to complete the census is important to completing the process early, Johnson said. The local census office has placed heavy emphasis on hiring ISU students.

Carrie Basquin, census recruiting assistant and graduate from Iowa State in community and regional planning, said hiring ISU students was one of her top priorities.

Basquin said students can reach the local census office at 232-3390 if they want part-time employment.