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The Use of Sample Overlap Methods in the Consumer Price Index Area Redesign.
William Johnson, Bureau of Labor Statistics 
Steven Paben, Bureau of Labor Statistics 
*John F Schilp, Bureau of Labor Statistics 


Keywords: Sample Redesign, Overlap Maximization, Linear Programming

Approximately every ten years the Consumer Price Index (CPI) selects a new area sample. Due to costs associated with the opening and closing of field offices, it is considered highly desirable to maximize the overlap between the old and new area sample in the redesign. This paper will outline the overlap maximization methods investigated in the selection of non-certainty Core Based Statistical Areas for the next CPI area redesign. Two of the methods of overlap maximization investigated were the Perkins method and a linear programming method proposed by Ernst (1986). The results from these methods were compared to a sample obtained independently.