Tuesday, July 8, 2008

What is a "colonia"?

According to the Texas government's Office of Colonia Initiatives, a colonia is "defined as an unincorporated community located within 150 miles of the Texas-Mexico border, or a city or town within said 150 mile region with a population of less than 10,000 according to the latest U.S. Census, that has a majority population composed of individuals and families of low and very low income, who lack safe, sanitary and sound housing, together with basic services such as potable water, adequate sewage systems, drainage, streets and utilities." You can read a few more definitions here and the federal definition here.

...and just found the "definition" page on the the Texas Secretary of State's website. It lists all the definitions of "colonia" based on the state agency.

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