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4A.02 STATE DEMOGRAPHER.
(a) The director shall appoint a state demographer. The demographer must be professionally
competent in demography and must possess demonstrated ability based upon past performance.
(b) The demographer shall:
(1) continuously gather and develop demographic data relevant to the state;
(2) design and test methods of research and data collection;
(3) periodically prepare population projections for the state and designated regions and
periodically prepare projections for each county or other political subdivision of the state as
necessary to carry out the purposes of this section;
(4) review, comment on, and prepare analysis of population estimates and projections made
by state agencies, political subdivisions, other states, federal agencies, or nongovernmental
persons, institutions, or commissions;
(5) serve as the state liaison with the United States Bureau of the Census, coordinate state and
federal demographic activities to the fullest extent possible, and aid the legislature in preparing a
census data plan and form for each decennial census;
(6) compile an annual study of population estimates on the basis of county, regional, or other
political or geographical subdivisions as necessary to carry out the purposes of this section and
section 4A.03;
(7) by January 1 of each year, issue a report to the legislature containing an analysis of the
demographic implications of the annual population study and population projections;
(8) prepare maps for all counties in the state, all municipalities with a population of 10,000
or more, and other municipalities as needed for census purposes, according to scale and detail
recommended by the United States Bureau of the Census, with the maps of cities showing
precinct boundaries;
(9) prepare an estimate of population and of the number of households for each governmental
subdivision for which the Metropolitan Council does not prepare an annual estimate, and convey
the estimates to the governing body of each political subdivision by June 1 of each year;
(10) direct, under section 414.01, subdivision 14, and certify population and household
estimates of annexed or detached areas of municipalities or towns after being notified of the order
or letter of approval by the director;
(11) prepare, for any purpose for which a population estimate is required by law or needed to
implement a law, a population estimate of a municipality or town whose population is affected
by action under section 379.02 or 414.01, subdivision 14; and
(12) prepare an estimate of average household size for each statutory or home rule charter
city with a population of 2,500 or more by June 1 of each year.
(c) A governing body may challenge an estimate made under paragraph (b) by filing their
specific objections in writing with the state demographer by June 24. If the challenge does not
result in an acceptable estimate, the governing body may have a special census conducted by the
United States Bureau of the Census. The political subdivision must notify the state demographer
by July 1 of its intent to have the special census conducted. The political subdivision must
bear all costs of the special census. Results of the special census must be received by the state
demographer by the next April 15 to be used in that year's June 1 estimate to the political
subdivision under paragraph (b).
(d) The state demographer shall certify the estimates of population and household size to the
commissioner of revenue by July 15 each year, including any estimates still under objection.
History: 1991 c 345 art 2 s 3; 1992 c 511 art 5 s 1; 1997 c 87 s 1; 2003 c 2 art 5 s 1;
1Sp2003 c 21 art 5 s 1; 2005 c 151 art 4 s 1

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes