Few people think about the U.S. Census even though Census data is used daily. It provides information to make decisions related to health, education, housing, transportation, economic development, and other essential areas. Every state and local government in the United States relies on Census data to plan for how to best serve its residents.
Perhaps more significantly, U.S. Census data serves as the basis for geographically distributing more than $900 billion annually to support numerous programs and services. In 2016, more than $40 billion in funds based on Census data was allocated to the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, according to the George Washington Institute of Public Policy. An undercount of residents in the metropolitan Washington region would significantly impact funding for public schools, emergency services, transportation, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Programs, nutritional programs, and many other essential programs over the next 10 years.
If that is not reason enough to think about the upcoming Census, consider its impact on governance. U.S. Census data also determines Congressional representation and the number of Electoral College delegates assigned to each state. To ensure that metropolitan Washington receives appropriate representation, we must obtain a complete and accurate count of all people living in the region. Although the U.S. Census Bureau is responsible for conducting the decennial census, each state, county, and community must assist to ensure a complete and accurate count.
The 2020 Census poses some unique challenges, including limited funding for outreach, the increased reliance on digital data collection, and high levels of government distrust. These factors alone could result in a significant undercount of residents. In our region, this is compounded by historical undercounts of certain communities, including communities of color, foreign-born residents, families with young children, older adults, renters, and transient populations, such as college students.
Whether you live in the D.C., Maryland or Virginia, it is important to the future of the region and well-being of all residents to obtain a complete and accurate census count. To jump start an all-hands-on-deck effort, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Regional Primary Care Coalition, and 13 other organizations from across the region joined together to hold the Interventions that Work: 2020 Census and Hard-to-Reach Communities conference to engage local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to prepare for the 2020 Census.
Although the Census will not be conducted until April 2020, we need to mobilize now. Each county or city has a Complete Count Committee that will serve as a resource and work with community partners so that we are ready to be counted.
MORE: For additional information or to get involved in your community, check out the resources here: www.mwcog.org/2020census/
Sharon Zalewski is the Executive Director of the Regional Primary Care Coalition.