2020 Census
April 1, 2019
The 2020 Census is just one year away, and it will likely be the most difficult in recent history. Immigrant and low-income communities of color are the most at-risk of being undercounted by the census, leading to cuts in funding to critical services such as Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) in those areas as well as the possibility of the loss of representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
California and Marin County are at serious risk of an undercount.
While specific details collected during the enumeration process are sealed for 72 years, the number of residents counted in each state and region is used to make decisions regarding:
- Distribution of Congressional seats to states. Census data is critical in allocating the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as defining legislature districts and schools district assignments.
- Planning decisions about community services, such as where to provide services for the elderly, build new roads and schools and establish job training centers.
- Distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year. California currently receives more than $76 billion of this funding each year based on
- Census data informs how states and communities allocate funding for things like neighborhood improvements, public health services, education, transportation, and much more.
- For every person residing in California that is not counted in the 2020 Census, the State of California will lose up to $1,950 every year for the next 10 years.
Canal Alliance is working to ensure a complete and accurate count of our communities.
- In 2018, Canal Alliance co-hosted a community forum to educate local leaders, educators, and messengers about the impact of Census data on our collective ability to provide services and resources in Marin County. Watch the video from our Make Marin Count Community Forum.
- Advocated against the inclusion of the Citizenship Question.
- Participation in the creation and launch of the Marin Complete Count Committee (CCC) a group of cross-sector stakeholders working collaboratively to maximize participation in Census 2020.
- Co-chair of the LatinX Outreach Subcommittee of the Marin CCC.
- Educating community members on the role of Census Takers and enumerators in ensuring a complete count in Marin County.
Canal Alliance’s Census advocacy in the news:
Editorial: Canal residents need internet access now– Marin IJ, January 19, 2020
Census work group tackling West Marin challenges– Point Reyes Light, July 18, 2019
Marin Voice: County will benefit from an accurate and fair Census count in 2020– Marin IJ, July 12, 2019
Marin Latino leaders applaud court ruling on census question– Marin IJ, June 27, 2019
Marin County begins preparations for 2020 census– Marin IJ, February 10, 2019
Marin forum says accurate 2020 census has high stakes– Marin IJ, September 26, 2018