GLOSSARY OF TERMS

DEFINITIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC TERMS

Census Tract A small statistical area with between 2,500 and 8,000 population. census tracts are defined by local governments and the U. S. Census Bureau based on the bureau's criteria. Typical census tracts are designed to be homogeneous with respect to population characteristics, economic status, and living conditions. Census tracts do not cross County boundary lines. Block Group A cluster of census blocks generally containing between 250 and 550 housing units. Block groups never cross census tract boundary lines. Census Block A small area bounded on all sides by visible features (such as streets, rivers, or railroad tracks) or by invisible features (such as political boundaries, property lines, or imaginary extensions of streets and roads). Community Plan Area (CPA) Subdivisions of parts of the City of Los Angeles for the purpose of promoting sound planning practices and fostering a reasonable mix of land uses. There are 37 CPAs, including the Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). City ordinance defined 35 CPAs in the early 1960s. Since then, CPA boundary lines have remained stable with few exceptions. CPA names are generally represented by hyphenated groupings of neighborhoods and communities. Area Planning Commission (APC) A grouping of CPAs into seven large areas per City Charter requirement as recently enacted by voters. APCs were created to promote efficiency in the planning process and to bring planning and land use decision making closer to neighborhoods and to local regions in the City. Council District (CD) Political districts, created as required by the Charter of the City of Los Angeles. There are 15 CDs in LA City. By charter rule, CD boundaries must be redrawn every ten years. New boundaries based on the 2000 census must be in place no later than June 30th, 2002. Land Area A measure of surface area generally expressed in acres, square kilometers, or square miles.

DEFINITIONS OF CENSUS TERMS

Census A survey of all households, instituted by the U. S. Constitution for the purpose of reapportioning Congressional representation among the voting populace. The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census conducts a census every ten years. Results from the U.S. Census of Population and Housing are published in phases. The first set of data to be released details information used to redraw Congressional District boundaries. Density A division of the total quantity of whatever is to be measured by total land area. Generally, densities are used for analytical comparison of areas to one another. Typical calculations include density of population or housing units. Ethnicity A grouping of people based on some common cultural trait such as language, ancestral origin, custom, or social viewpoint. As with race, ethnicity is reported by self classification. Family A householder and one or more other persons living in the same household who are related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. Group Quarters Nonhousehold living arrangements. Persons in group quarters are either institutionalized or noninstitutionalized. Institutionalized persons are under formal care and/or supervision, such as long term patients or inmates. Noninstitutionalized persons live in dormitories, military barracks, emergency shelters, or religious group quarters. Household Includes all persons who occupy a housing unit. Occupants may be single persons, a family, multiple families living together, or any other group of related or unrelated persons who share living arrangements. Housing Unit Any house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is intended to be occupied as separate living quarters. Separate living quarters are those in which the occupants live and eat apart from any other persons in the building and have direct access from the outside of the building or through a common hall. Race A self classification by people according to the biological heritage with which they most closely identify. Race as used by the Bureau of the Census generally adheres to guidelines in Federal Statistical Directive No. 15, as issued by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Tenure Housing ownership status.

Important Note: Change of Terms Census categories have changed over time. Prior to the 1980 census the self defined group of persons now generally known as "Hispanic- Latino" had been classified as "Spanish Surnamed" persons. Prior to the 2000 census, the group of persons known as "Asian" had been combined with persons known as "Pacific Islanders". As of 2000, another self defined group now called "Multi-Racial" was included in published statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. When comparing these groups of persons over time, care should be taken to recognize that changes in definition have occurred.