The 2010 census will recognize same-sex marriages and relationships for the first time.

Census bureau officials explained the importance of the change at a town hall meeting Tuesday evening.

Austin is the first city in the country where the U.S. Census Bureau has held a town hall meeting like this.

For some same-sex couples, this recognition is significant.

Alisa Weldon and Lynn Yeldell have been together for three-and-a-half years.

About a year ago, they sealed the deal to the extent that Texas law allows. They registered as domestic partners in Travis County and bonded their partnership with a commitment ceremony.

"If there was an opportunity in Texas for us to go through and legally be married, we'd do that as well, because we like to know that our relationship is recognized not only by our family and friends, but the state," Yeldell said.

Now for the first time their relationship will be recognized by the federal government in the 2010 census.

"I'm ecstatic. For the first time to be recognized, one as a lesbian individual, but two, a lesbian who lives in a household that pays taxes and consumes and contributes to our economy," Weldon said.

She understands how important it can be to accurately track the demographic. She owns L Style G Style, an Austin-based magazine for people who are gay. She says trying to pinpoint the spending power of that group has proven difficult.

In the case of the census, the stakes are even higher. The census determines how federal funds are distributed.

"Over $400 billion a year comes to communities based on population formulas, as well as congressional representation and many other benefits. You have to. People have to know you're here in order to get the benefits," regional director of the U.S. Census Bureau for Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, Gabriel Sanchez said.

Weldon and Yeldell are just happy they can honestly represent their household.