The 2020 Census will begin on April 1st. This once a decade count of every resident in the US determines the allocation of $675 billion in federal funds and could give North Carolina another congressional seat. If our state is going to maintain a good climate for doing business, it is vital that we get an accurate count of North Carolina residents.
Unfortunately, many people are uninformed about the Census. A 2018 Census Bureau survey found that only 33% of respondents were “very” familiar with Census. Community outreach can make a difference. It worked in 2000 when NC earned its last congressional seat and in 2010, when we saw Census participation rates soar. We need your help to continue this upward trend.
This year the NCBC received a grant to perform Census outreach. We will be partnering with businesses across North Carolina to educate and enable residents to respond to the Census.
As we get closer to the Census, we will share information to help you, your business, and your community prepare.
As you speak with employees, customers, and other community members, we would like you to share some of this vital information to get people prepared and motivated to participate.
An accurate count raises our voices in Washington:
With its population increasing, North Carolina is expected to be apportioned another congressional seat, raising our total seats to 14. Only nine states currently have more representation in Congress. This will allow us to be heard more loudly on such matters as trade, healthcare, and disaster relief.
Census data improves quality of life:
North Carolina is expected to get about $16 billion a year. With a population of about 10 million, we stand to receive $160 billion in total or about $16,000 per person.
This funds everything from schools to natural disaster preparedness. With an accurate count, this money will help support our communities and in turn, help businesses thrive.
Census data supports democracy:
Next year, our state officials will use the Census data to draw new voting districts. State officials are bound by law to create approximately equal populations across districts to ensure that each voter will have an equal voice. This can only be done if we can an accurate count across the state.
Businesses rely on the demographic data from the Census:
The Census Business Builder can help you learn more about your customers, make decisions about expanding your business, and gauge demand for your products and services. This data is only reliable if we get an accurate count.
Responding to the Census has never been easier:
Just take out your smartphone! This Census will be the first with an online form. In mid-March, most households will receive an invitation to respond to the Census. If they prefer, households can also call an 800 number to respond or request a paper form.
Census data is confidential:
To ensure that each person is only counted once, the Census form will ask for names and dates of birth, but not social security numbers. None of the Census data can be shared with federal agencies, and the data collected is sealed for 72 years. For more information, check out The 2020 Census and Confidentiality.
There will be no citizenship question:
Though the courts prevented the question from being added, many residents believe it will still be on the form. This is likely to lower the response rate in immigrant households. We need to help get the word out that this question will not be on the form, and that all information on Census forms cannot be shared with ICE or law enforcement agencies.
All voices matter:
Many US residents feel disenfranchised, and this extends to the Census. African-Americans and Latinos are expected to be undercounted in the Census. In North Carolina, we can also expect Native-Americans and children under 5 to be among the undercounted. We need to make sure these voices are heard, so that federal funding for schools, roads, hospitals, and disaster relief can flow to these communities.
Thank you for helping us spread the word about the Census! NCBC will work hard to make sure our state gets an accurate count, so that we can move forward with a positive climate for business.
To become a 2020 Census Business Partner, you can find out more and sign up here.