Encourage Participation in the 2020 U.S. Census

Wyoming economic developers and leaders must encourage everyone in their community to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census! We need your help to make sure that every person in our state is accounted for since the data obtained during the Census will impact the amount of federal funding each city, county, and our state receives over the next decade. 

The Economic Impact is Significant and Lasts for a Decade

The U.S. Census impacts $675 billion of federal funding on an annual basis. Since it is only conducted in the United States every 10 years, participation in 2020 has a lasting impact. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, there has been some confusion on whether or not the census is continuing. It is up to economic developers and local leaders to inform the public that the census is still happening and how to complete it. 

Important Facts:

• 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.
• Funds are spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other essential programs.
• People can complete the census over the phone or online at my2020Census.gov. 

Businesses Use Census Data When Determining Where to Locate

As economic developers, you are actively working to recruit new businesses to our state. These businesses use Census data to decide the best place for them to locate their business because it allows business owners and developers to pinpoint areas that can support their expansion, both in the workforce and as a customer base. 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 in Wyoming. 

Economic developers know how important demographic data is and how frequently it is brought up during conversations with site selectors and business executives. The general public does not. It is up to local leaders to explain the importance of this data collection. 

Marketing the Census

Materials have been created to promote participation in the Census. These marketing materials include logos, Fact Sheets, and materials that are specific to certain audiences like families and the faith community. Each organization should view the materials and share relevant ones on social media and with local partners. 

Click here to access. 

Participating in the Census During COVID-19

The Census data is usually collected via in-person house calls by people collecting the Census data. However, since the outbreak and spread of the Covid-19 virus, the U.S. Census Bureau has had to stop all door-to-door transactions. The Census Bureau has also halted all in-person activities for their staff. This includes all office work and processing activities. They have increased their call center capacity with employees working from home to gather the Census data.

So, what does this mean for the 2020 U.S. Census? It means that Wyoming residents will have to use other means of sharing their household data. People can fill out their Census information online, via phone, or by mail self-responses throughout the collection process. Households who wish to fill out the Census online should visit my2020Census.gov. Households can also mail in their responses or call 844-330-2020 to complete the Census via phone.

Extended Timeframe

The collection process was originally scheduled from March 12, 2020, to July 31, 2020. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the U.S. Census Bureau has extended the dealing to October 31, 2020. In-person house  calls are postponed until July 1, 2020. The Census data is now rescheduled to be complete and delivered to the President of the United States by April 30, 2021.