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Get ready to be counted! The 2020 Census has officially begun, as the U.S. government starts the nationwide tally of every person living in the country.
Since 1790, the process has taken place every ten (10) years. Getting an accurate count is important as it affects a wide range of issues, such as the amount of federal funds and resources distributed to your community. “The Census equals money and representation,” explains Petula Burks, City of Miami Gardens Civic Engagement Director. “It means development, and how many people we send to Congress. It’s so important.”
With this in mind, we’ve gathered all the information you need to know about participating in the 2020 Census.
Who Will Be Counted?
The Census aims to count everyone living in the country, not just citizens. Anyone can and should take part in the Census, regardless of their citizenship status. The Census will not ask you about your citizenship status. You, and you are counted even if you currently do not have a permanent place to stay. Any information collected will remain confidential.
How Do I Participate In The Census?
As of March 12th, Census questionnaires were mailed to all addresses in your community. To reply, you can fill out the questionnaire and mail it, or respond by phone. For the first time, people will also have the option to take the Census online.
Census Operations Status
The Census Bureau has temporarily suspended 2020 Census field data collection activities in March. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting 2020 Census operations in order to:
- Protect the health and safety of the American public and Census Bureau employees.
- Implement guidance from federal, state and local authorities.
- Ensure a complete and accurate count of all communities
Under this revised plan, the Census Bureau self-response by mail, phone, and online collection process has been extended to from July 31, 2020 to October 31, 2020. This will allow for apportionment counts to be delivered to the President by April 30, 2021, and redistricting data to be delivered to the states no later than July 31, 2021.
For more information and as it pertains to updates on the Census Operations, please visit the Office of Civic Engagement’s website at CMGEngage.com.
Why Is It Important to Participate?
The answers you provide for the Census help decision-makers figure out the best use of public funding in your community. Among many other social services, the Census helped the City of Miami Gardens receive HUD (Housing and Urban Development) funds, which aid in community planning and development.
In the past, Florida also benefited by getting more political representation with two more seats in the Congressional House of Representatives. Florida now has 27 seats, an increase from 25, which means more money for services for Florida residents.
Last Census, Miami Gardens had high participation with approximately 76 percent of its population counted in 2010. To date the City’s response rate is at 49 percent with a goal of 76 percent by May 15th, 2020 and 86 percent by June 15th.
For anyone curious about how many Residents are responding to the 2020 Census, stay up to date with a map of self-response rates from across Miami Gardens and the United States.
“We need people to become advocates of the Census,” says Burks. “Simply put, if you don’t participate you don’t get counted.”
