Data collection and processing begin late in March and continue for about 7 months. Based on the survey and prior census results, weighted-data estimates are made of employment by all local governments. A new sample is selected every 5 years, most recently in 1999. Data are shown in total and by function. Similar content is included for each level of government.
Reports consist of viewable tables and data files that users can download from the Internet.
USES The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses these data to update and develop economic measures for the government sector, such as the national income and product accounts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics uses the data to adjust the monthly public employment series. The Department of Housing and Urban Development uses the data to establish payroll guidelines for some local public authorities. State and local governments use the data for peer government analyses. Professional and academic analysts use the information for trend analysis, to compare public and private sector employment and payrolls in the U.S., and to compare U.S. public sector employment with other countries.