Complete the 2020 Census today!

The deadline to complete the 2020 Census is drawing near as citizens across the city, state and country can submit their responses through Wednesday, September 30^th. The Census consists of a short, nine question survey that takes mere minutes to complete. For the first time ever the Census can be done completely online by visiting www.My2020Census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020. There are 13 different language options for respondents and your information is kept private. Information disclosed in Census surveys cannot, by law, be shared with any law enforcement agencies and is stored confidentially, without personally identifiable information.

As the Census deadline approaches Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd is asking residents to be counted. “The Census is vitally important as it impacts our funding for community projects and resources, and ensures we have fair and accurate representation in our government,” said Alderwoman Dodd. “We must make sure we have an accurate count now because the data we collect today will impact our community for the next decade. If you have not yet taken the Census I encourage you to do so today. It’s one simple way to have a big impact on the community.”

2020 Census data will be used to determine the fair allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funds each year over the next 10 years to states and local communities. For every resident that goes uncounted, Wisconsin risks losing $1,600 every year over the next 10 years. The Census data will also determine how many seats Wisconsin has in the U.S. Congress and in election wards – meaning an accurate count helps provide fair and equal representation.

Census takers have begun visiting households throughout the city to manually assist residents who have not yet responded. These individuals may visit between the hours of 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., will make up to six attempts at each address, will be wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines.

To date, Milwaukee’s self-response rate is 60.1%, which trails the state self-response rate of 71.6% and national self-response rate of 65.7%. Milwaukee is outpacing many of its peer cities, but is still behind its 2010 Census response rate of 68%.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.