Across America people find invaluable information in local government records. Researchers of many different backgrounds use these records. Most citizens use local government records for very personal and very practical matters. Citizens need birth certificates to help document age for retirement, to acquire a passport to travel abroad, and so their children can enter kindergarten. Homeowners refer to tax records to see if they qualify for abatements or exemptions.
Genealogists use birth, death, and marriage records to trace family history.
School departments use census figures to project future class populations and to plan for school growth and budget changes. Local Government Officials use records in the daily course of business. Board members refer to minutes from previous meetings to make informed decisions. Planners use maps to propose zoning changes. Municipal engineers refer to road and sewer layouts to plan improvements in waste management and transportation.