Planning, Development & Public Transportation

Written by Brian Austin on 04 May 2022. Posted in Planning, Development & Public Transportation.

Census 2020

April 1, 2020 is Census Day. The Census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The United States has been conducting the Census every ten years since 1790. Data from the Census will be used for the next ten years for many things – including determining New York State’s representation in Congress as well as local districting. Your responses determine where over $675 billion is distributed each year to communities nationwide for clinics, schools, roads, and more. Census data gives community leaders vital information to make decisions about building community centers, opening businesses, and planning for the future. Responding also fulfills your civic duty because it’s mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The United States has counted its population every 10 years since 1790. Your responses are used to redraw legislative districts and determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Census Bureau estimates that every person not counted equals a loss of approximately $2,500 per year to local municipalities. This means that every 400 people who are not counted equates to a loss of about $1 Million in funding – each year to our community.

We need to get everyone living in Putnam counted.

What does the Census ask?

The 2020 Census contains simple questions about the number of people in your household and their basic demographic data, along with whether the home is owned or rented. The Census Bureau will never ask you for your Social Security number, money or donations, anything on behalf of a political party, your bank or credit card account numbers, or about citizenship.

See what questions are asked and why your answers matter.

Click to See Census Data

The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the United States Code. These laws not only provide authority for the Census Bureau’s work, but also provide strong protection for the information they collect. All responses to the Census are confidential, and cannot be shared with any other federal or local government entity, including law enforcement agencies.

More information on data protection and confidentiality is available.

Information on Data Protection & Confidentiality

Confidentiality

How to complete the

Census form

Completing the Census is simple. There are only nine questions to answer, sample forms are available in

on the U.S Census Bureau’s website. Every household will receive an invitation to respond to the Census in March. This is the first time you will have the opportunity to respond quickly and easily online at www.2020census.gov. The Census Bureau will also accept response via phone or mail. Additional support to complete the Census will be provided in 59 languages including Polish.

How to Complete the

Census Online

Want to know how to fill out the 2020 Census online? This is the first decennial census with an option to respond via the Internet. The Census Bureau has posted a preview of the 2020 Census Video Language Guide on YouTube that serves as a step-by-step tutorial for how to navigate the online interface of the 2020 Census. Study up on how to complete your Census questionnaire online before you receive your invitation to respond in March!

Census Jobs

The Census Bureau is hiring in Putnam. Apply, and with one application, you may be considered for several positions, including census taker, recruiting assistant, office clerk, and supervisory staff—and help your community while getting paid. Census takers are paid at a rate of $21.00 per hour, and receive reimbursement for work-related mileage and expenses, where applicable. Multilingual individuals are in high demand in Putnam County. Online applications are available in English and Spanish.

Information on Data Protection & Confidentiality

The Census Bureau has developed comprehensive resources for educators of all ages. The 2020 Census matters for our children’s schools and the children themselves. The 2020 Census count will play a vital role in how federal funds are distributed to communities each year for critical programs and services. The new Statistics in Schools (SIS) classroom activities and materials for the 2019-2020 school year spotlight the 2020 Census and the importance of making sure everyone is counted, especially children. A variety of age-oriented activities and fun facts are available for educators to use in the classroom.

Activities & Fun Facts for Educators

Schools as Partners

Community Outreach Toolkit

The U.S. Census Bureau has produced a Community Outreach Toolkit (https://www.census.gov/partners/toolkit.pdf) which outlines how to make communication and outreach efforts as effective as possible. This quick guide is great reading for anyone looking to make a difference in their community to increase participation in the 2020 Census.

Download the Community Outreach Toolkit

Prefer to watch a video? The Census Bureau’s YouTube channel features videos on the basics from “Census Made Simple” to shorter Public Service Announcements on “Getting an Accurate Count” and “Completing the 2020 Census Online with Language Guide”.

Visit the Census Bureau’s YouTube channel at to access these and more educational resources in video format.

Census Made Simple

Activities & Fun Facts for Educators

The Census on Youtube

Who to contact?

For more information on Putnam County’s Census 2020 efforts, contact Barbara Barosa, AICP, Senior Planner at 845-878-3480 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Civil Rights

CIVIL RIGHTS

FTA’s Office of Civil Rights is responsible for ensuring public transit providers comply with all nondiscrimination requirements. FTA oversees the implementation of laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and age in the provision of services to the public. The office provides technical assistance and training and conducts complaint investigations and onsite compliance reviews to ensure public transit providers fulfill civil rights requirements. Major programs that FTA implements include:

DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

Putnam County is proposing a 2023 - 2025 Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) Participation Goal of 29.7% percent and 2026 - 2028 Participation Goal of 8.79% for projects funded in part by Federal funds. To receive a copy of the goal, contact the Putnam County DBE Officer, Sean Bennett, by phone at (845) 878-3480 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Information on Data Protection & Confidentiality

What is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise?

A. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a federal program administered by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) through each State’s Unified Certification Program. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is one of four certifying members in the New York State Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP). The NYSUCP members are responsible for determining if firms meet the DBE certification or Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) eligibility requirements, as detailed in Title 49 Part 26 of the Code of Federal Regulations or Title 49 Part 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations respectively. Only small businesses that are independently owned and controlled in both substance and form by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged persons are eligible for certification. In addition, each owner must have a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.
Does my firm have to be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise with Putnam County?

A. No. Any business may compete for any County contract, either as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor, whether or not they are certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. However, if a firm is seeking to perform work on a contract as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise it must first obtain Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification from a Certifying Partner in the New York State Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP).
How does Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification help my firm get business?

A. The County reviews certain contracts to determine whether they present opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Based upon the funding source of contracts and the applicable federal regulation, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation goals may be established on certain contracts. Once Disadvantaged Business Enterprise contract goals have been established, only certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms may be used to meet the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation goals unless there are no Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms willing or able to perform the required type of work.
In what other ways does Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification help my firm?

A. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification provides businesses with the opportunity to be listed in an electronic directory of certified firms, which is used by agencies and contractors to identify Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms for participation on contracts. Being a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise may also open the door to opportunities for growing your business by making it easier for you to market your firm to government entities. If your firm is certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise by a Certifying Partner in the NYSUCP your Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification will be recognized and accepted by all agencies in New York State that require Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification. Additionally, your firm will be listed in the NYSUCP electronic directory.
What are the criteria for obtaining Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification?

A. The eligibility criteria for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification are specifically outlined in the governing Federal regulation at 49 CFR Part 26, Subpart D. In summary, a firm must be a small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by individuals who are citizens or permanent residents and who are also socially and economically disadvantaged. The firm must be an independent business and can only receive certification in the areas in which the socially and economically disadvantaged owners exercise control. Firms located outside of New York State must first receive Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification from their home state.
What is the first step for a firm interested in becoming certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise?
1. Businesses interested in becoming certified should apply via the NYSUCP’s online system athttps://nysucp.newnycontracts.com The NYSUCP online system specifies the required documentation you must submit to apply and directs you through the process appropriate for your firm, e.g. in-state vs. interstate. For businesses located in New York State, the system will also guide you to the appropriate NYSUCP certifying member, who will be responsible for reviewing your application, based primarily on the location of your principal place of business. To apply for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification you may contact any one of the four NYSUCP Certifying Partners listed below.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
Department of Diversity and Civil Rights
2 Broadway – 16th Fl.
New York, NY 10004
Tel.: (646) 252-1378
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New York State Department of Transportation
Contract Audit Bureau – Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification
50 Wolf Rd. – 1st Fl.
Albany, NY 12232
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Small Business Programs
233 Park Ave. South – 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10003
Tel.: (212) 435-7828
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
EEO/Diversity Development Department
181 Ellicott St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information on Putnam County’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program or potential county Disadvantaged Business Enterprise projects, contact:

Putnam County Planning, Development

and Public Transportation Department

841 Fair Street

Carmel, New York 10512

(845) 878-3480

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F.A.Q.s

TITLE VI

Title VI Program Plan 2024-2027

DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS

Notice

NOTICE OF PROTECTIONS UNDER TITLE VI FOR PUTNAM COUNTY TRANSIT OPERATIONS

Putnam County operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with the County of Putnam. For more information on the Putnam County’s civil rights program, and the procedures to file a complaint, please contact the Civil Rights Officer at 845-878-3480; email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or visit our office at 841 Fair Street, Carmel, New York 10512. For the appropriate forms and more information, please visit our website at www.putnamcountyny.com/transportation. A complainant may file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration at the Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590. If information is needed in another language, contact the Planning Department at 845-878-3480 or Dispatch at 845-878-7433.
Noticia

AVISO DE PROTECCIONES BAJO EL TÍTULO VI PARA LAS OPERACIONES DE TRÁNSITO DEL CONDADO DE PUTNAM

El Condado de Putnam opera sus programas y servicios sin tener en cuenta la raza, el color y el origen nacional de acuerdo con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles. Cualquier persona que crea que ella o él ha sido agraviado por cualquier práctica discriminatoria ilegal bajo el Título VI puede presentar una queja ante el Condado de Putnam. Para obtener más información sobre el programa de derechos civiles del condado de Putnam, y los procedimientos para presentar una queja, comuníquese con el Oficial de Derechos Civiles al 845-878-3480; envíe un correo electrónico a This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; o visite nuestra oficina en 841 Fair Street, Carmel, Nueva York 10512. Para los formularios apropiados y más información, por favor visite nuestro sitio web en www.putnamcountyny.com/transportation. Un reclamante puede presentar una queja directamente ante la Administración Federal de Tránsito en la Oficina de Derechos Civiles, Atención: Coordinador del Programa Título VI, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590. Si se necesita información en otro idioma, comuníquese con el Departamento de Planificación al 845-878-3480 o Despacho al 845-878-7433.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities.

Putnam County complies with all federal requirements to ensure nondiscriminatory transportation in support of our mission to enhance the social and economic quality of life for all Americans. The FTA Office of Civil Rights is responsible for civil rights compliance and monitoring to ensure nondiscriminatory provision of public transit services.

For further information, contact the Department of Planning, Development, and Public Transportation, at (845) 878-3480 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Equal Employment Opportunity

Putnam County is an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer. The Federal Transit Laws, 49 U.S.C. 5332(b), provide that “no person in the United States shall on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or age be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any project, program or activity funded in whole or in part through financial assistance under this Act.” This applies to employment and business opportunities and is considered to be in addition to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Putnam County, as a recipient of federal funding, is required to develop, implement, and monitor an effective Equal Employment Opportunity Program to ensure that recipients do not discriminate against any employees or applicants for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age or national origin. For further information, For more information, please contact the Civil Rights Officer at (845) 878-3480 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the Putnam County Personnel Department at:

Donald B. Smith County Government Campus
110 Old Route 6 – Building #3
Carmel, NY 10512

(845) 808-1650
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Welcome to the Putnam County Government Department Directory

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Planning, Development & Public Transportation