Workforce Information Geography
NEW AREA TYPES -- The Workforce Information Database was designed to include an almost endless variety of types of geographic definitions. This allows states to define geographic areas that are significant to their customers, as well as the standard area types used in federal and state statistical data systems.
Information for metropolitan areas, under a variety of definitions, is a major output of many programs. The definitions have changed in both concept and composition over time as populations have grown and shifted. In 2003 the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) introduced core-based definitions, including new types of areas and began annual revisions to the names and makeup of the areas. (For additional background information about the changes, see the presentation on the topic presented at the 2005 ALMIS Database Seminar in San Diego.)
The ARC has proposed changes to the prototype values for the AREATYPE variable and developed a database containing populated GEOG and SUBGEOG tables that used the revised values. These resources are available for downloading and testing in an archived .ZIP file. Proposed changes to the suggested AREATYPE values are also available for viewing. In addition, The NCSC has created and updated GEOG and SUBGEOG tables for New England based on the cities included in the statistical areas, rather than the counties used in the rest of the country. The prototype files for New England are also available fordownloading. Their content is described in a separate document.
Information about the annual OMB revisions is included below:
*Combined Statistical Areas are not yet included in the prototype Workforce Information Database GEOG and SUBGEOG tables available here.
