Concerns Rise Over 2010 Census

As if the US Census Bureau did not already have enough challenges, its new director has now identified another: the agency's impending brain drain. Director Robert M. Groves warned colleagues Wednesday that almost half of the bureau's top managers will be eligible for retirement next year. He said he will seek "every legal way possible" to attract qualified replacements but urged employees of all ages to start swapping war stories. "Take a little time to pass on your experience to those that you're going to leave behind," he told older employees considering retirement. As for the younger ones, "seek out those wise elders," he said. "Listen to them, ask them about their experiences, learn from them actively. Be proactive on this. Invite them to lunch." Groves spoke to employees at a ceremony where Commerce Secretary Gary Locke swore him in as the agency's 23rd director. Seven former directors of the bureau attended the event. The possibility of losing 22 of the bureau's top 50 managers threatens to complicate the upcoming decennial headcount, which faces a host of other challenges. In the next six months, the bureau will begin mobilizing the largest temporary civilian workforce in U.S. history to help complete the 2010 Census. Next year's count, which is expected to cost at least $14 billion, will help reshape congressional districts in time for the 2012 elections.