67 FR 110 pgs. 39342-39343 - Current Population Surveys (CPS)-Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS); Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Type: NOTICEVolume: 67Number: 110Pages: 39342 - 39343
FR document: [FR Doc. 02-14244 Filed 6-6-02; 8:45 am]
Agency: Commerce Department
Sub Agency: Census Bureau
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Census Bureau
Current Population Surveys (CPS)-Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS); Proposed Collection; Comment Request
ACTION:
Proposed collection; comment request.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES:
Submit written comments on or before August 6, 2002.
ADDRESS:
Direct all written comments to Madeleine Clayton, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6608, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 or via the Internet at mclayton@doc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Dennis Clark, Census Bureau, FOB 3, Room 3340, Washington, DC 20233-8400, (301) 763-3806.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The Census Bureau is requesting clearance for the collection of data concerning the HVS. The current clearance expires August 31, 2002. The HVS has been conducted in conjunction with the CPS since 1956 and serves a broad array of data users as described below.
We conduct the HVS interviews with landlords or other knowledgeable persons concerning vacant housing units identified in the monthly CPS sample and meeting certain criteria. The HVS provides the only quarterly and annual statistics on rental vacancy rates and homeownership rates for the United States, the four census regions, the 50 states and the District of Columbia, and the 75 largest Metropolitan Areas (MAs). Private and public sector organizations use these rates extensively to gauge and analyze the housing market with regard to supply, cost, and affordability at various points in time. In addition, the rental vacancy rate is a component of the index of leading economic indicators published by the Department of Commerce.
Policy analysts, program managers, budget analysts, and congressional staff use these data to advise the executive and legislative branches of government with respect to the number and characteristics of units available for occupancy and the suitability of housing initiatives. Several other government agencies use these data on a continuing basis in calculating consumer expenditures for housing as a component of the gross national product; to project mortgage demands; and to measure the adequacy of the supply of rental and homeowner units. In addition, investment firms use the HVS data to analyze market trends and for economic forecasting.
II. Method of Collection
Field representatives collect this HVS information by personal-visit interviews in conjunction with the regular monthly CPS interviewing. We collect HVS data concerning units that are vacant and intended for year-round occupancy as determined during the CPS interview. Approximately 5,760 units in the CPS sample meet these criteria each month. All interviews are conducted using computer-assisted interviewing.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0607-0179.
Form Number: There are no forms associated with this supplement. We conduct all interviewing on computers.
Type of Review: Regular.
Affected Public: Individuals who have knowledge of the vacant sample unit (e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors).
Estimated Number of Respondents: 5,760 per month.
Estimated Time Per Response: 3 minutes.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 3,456.
Estimated Total Annual Cost: The only cost to respondent is that of their time.
Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C., Section 182.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for the Office of Management and Budget approval of this information collection; they will also become a matter of public record.
Dated: June 3, 2002.
Madeleine Clayton,
Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 02-14244 Filed 6-6-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P