Complete the 2020 U.S. Census Virtually

In the Momentum West region we are encouraging residents to complete the U.S. Census virtually. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how the Census is being conducted, but it is still happening online and via the phone. Even though our communities are creating strategies for re-opening this spring, in-person data collection will continue to be delayed until July. That, however, is no reason to wait to submit information. They have made it easy to complete the census and we encourage everyone to do so as soon as possible, to ensure that our participation numbers are high. 

Ways to Virtually Complete the Census

The Census Bureau has halted all in-person activities for their staff but they have increased their call center capacity. Employees are working from home to gather the Census data and are answering calls to 844-330-2020.

Residents can fill out their Census information online, via phone, or mail self-responses throughout the collection process. Households were sent an invitation via the mail in March. The invitation contains a Census ID that you will enter online. However, if you cannot find your ID, you can still complete the Census. 

To complete the Census online, visit my2020Census.gov

To complete it over the phone, call 844-330-2020

The online forms are available in multiple languages as well. 

2020 Census Update

The collection process for the 2020 U.S. Census was originally scheduled from March 12, 2020, to July 31, 2020, which included in-person data collection through door to door visits. Due to the Covid-19 crisis door to door visits are being postponed until July. As a result, the U.S. Census Bureau has extended the deadline to October 31, 2020. 

Your Participation in the Census is Important for Our Community

The U.S. Census is only conducted every 10 years. The Census aims to count the entire population of the United States. The Census asks American households certain questions such as sex, age, and race of each person in the household. These demographics help determine congressional representation and how much funding each state, county, and community received of the $675 billion per year in federal funding. These funds are spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other essential programs that influence economic development. For example, when businesses are looking for a new community to locate in, things like our university system and infrastructure are attractive. Federal funds help to pay for them. 

Census Data is Also Used by Businesses 

We are actively working to recruit new businesses to our city. During conversations with site selectors and business executives, demographic data is regularly brought up as a way to evaluate workforce capacity and the potential for a customer base. This data is gathered from the U.S. Census. Businesses can use Census data to decide the best place for them to locate their business. This data allows business owners and developers to pinpoint the very best area for their business to be as successful as possible. As such, it is critical that everyone in our state participates. Otherwise, the numbers won’t be accurate and the data will not reflect the true opportunities available here.