In the next week, work will start in earnest on completing the 2020 national Census. This year, the Census will have an online reporting module that enables residents to electronically submit their information. More info on that below, but let’s start with why you should care about the Census...because it benefits you.
The Census data is used to determine how state and federal resources are allocated around the nation. It is used to determine:
- Where the districts of elected representatives in state and federal government should be located.
- How state dollars should be allocated for road maintenance.
- How state and federal dollars should be allocated for local and regional projects (it is estimated that each person counted locally in the Census represents $1,500 in state and federal dollars that will be spent somewhere, and that can be spent locally if the population is shown to be here).
- Where businesses should locate new stores.
The direct, tangible results of completing the census for the residents of the Village are more external (state/federal) funding for local needs, and a greater likelihood of attracting the retailers that residents want. The Village’s last census count in 2010 was 4,532. That kind of population will not draw a large grocery store, drug store, or other retailers. We are anticipating that the population will be roughly double that in this year’s census. Being able to go to retailers and show a population close to 10,000 that is not presently served by a local drug store or supermarket--those are the kind of figures that can attract attention and bring commercial development to the Village. If you want to have local options for shopping, complete the Census! The results of the Census will be the official representation of our Village’s population for the next decade.
The upcoming timeline for the Census is as follows:
By April 1, 2020, each home should have received an invitation to participate in the Census, and you can respond by mail, phone or online. Census data is confidential and cannot be used by law enforcement or any other government agency or court. Residents are safe to answer honestly, knowing that their information cannot be used against them.
The US Census Bureau has a great, informative website available at this link. If you do not receive Census contact by April 1, please feel free to contact the Village and we can help your household get counted!