Why the Census Matters
The 2020 Census is right around the corner! Here’s a quick overview of what it is and why it’s so important to Make Osceola Count.
Everyone counts
The Constitution requires that everyone in the country is counted every 10 years. The census counts every person living in the U.S. once, only once, and in the right place.
It's about fair representation
An accurate snapshot of the population means that communities across the nation receive the funding, services, and business support they deserve and need.
Taking part is your civic duty
It’s a way to participate in our democracy and say, “I COUNT!”The information collected in this census affects how we plan for the future and determines our voice in government over the next ten years.
It impacts education, health and housing
Data collected from the census helps to guide planning efforts for our community, such as where to put schools, hospitals, roads, and other public works. It may also assist with funding for our Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
It funnels dollars to Osceola County.
The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to states, counties, and communities is based on information collected through the census.
- Census data is used to determine where schools, roads, hospitals, child care centers, senior centers, and other services should be built.
- Key federal programs rely on data and allocations derived from the census, including Medicaid/Medicare, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Title I Grants, and Special Education Grants. Census data is also used for the apportionment of Congressional seats and redistricting at all levels of government.
- Census data is also used for the apportionment of Congressional seats and redistricting at all levels of government.
- The funding received by Osceola County for affordable housing and community development is directly impacted by the census. Programs such as Section 8 housing, CDBG Emergency Rental Assistance Program, State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) are specifically tied to the census based on our population.
- Census data is indispensable for monitoring discrimination and the enforcement of a broad range of civil rights laws.
- Accessibility to and funding for community resources like Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C child care) is also based on the data provided by a complete and accurate census count.
The 2020 Census - Shaping Your Future
The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next 10 years. This funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.
Consider your morning commute: Census results influence highway planning and construction, as well as grants for buses, trains, and other public transit systems.
Or think of your local schools: Census results help determine how money is allocated for programs and grants that support students, teachers and special education.
The list goes on, including programs to support rural areas, to restore wildlife, to prevent child abuse, to prepare for wildfires, and to provide housing assistance for the elderly.
How the Census Benefits Osceola County
Federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties, and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race, and other factors. Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone. People in your community use census data in all kinds of ways, for instance:
- Residents use the census
Residents use census statistics to support community initiatives involving law-making, quality-of-life, and the interests of the public - Businesses use the census
Companies use Census Bureau data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores, which in turn creates jobs and benefits the local economy. - Local government officials use the census
Local government officials use census data to ensure that adequate funding is disbursed to where it is needed the most, in areas ranging from roads to health care to education. - City planners use the census
City planners use the data from the census to assist in the development of new homes and parks, as well as in determining how to improve transportation links, public services, and the environment
The next census is coming in 2020. Counting an increasingly diverse and growing population is a massive undertaking. It requires years of planning and the support of thousands of people.
Ultimately, the success of the census depends on the participation of everyone.
The 2020 Census is essential for you and your community, and you can help.
Overall Timeline of the 2020 Census
January –September 2019
The U.S. Census Bureau opens 248 area census offices across the country. These offices support and manage the census takers who work all over the country to conduct the census.
August 2019
Census takers begin visiting areas that have experienced a lot of change and growth to ensure that the Census Bureau's address list is up to date. This is called address canvassing, and it helps to ensure that everyone receives an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census.
January 2020
The Census Bureau begins counting the population in remote Alaska.
April 1, 2020
Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, you tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
April 2020
Census takers begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. Census takers also begin conducting quality check interviews to help ensure an accurate count.
May 2020
The Census Bureau begins visiting homes that haven't responded to the 2020 Census to make sure everyone is counted.
December 2020
The Census Bureau delivers apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.
March 31, 2021
By this date, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.
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