On Monday, Feb. 24, I was proud to host Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II for three stops in Ypsilanti. We met with dozens of friends and constituents first at Michigan Works! Southeast on Harriet St., then at Huron Valley PACE on Ellsworth Rd., and finally at the Washtenaw County Health Department on Towner St. At each stop, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist made the point of mentioning the importance of the 2020 census. It is crucial that we get our entire community counted. Over the past 10 years, I have seen the Ypsilanti area make steady progress in terms of business growth and population growth that have contributed to a better community. It is time to reap the benefits that go with such progress.

Why is the census important?

The census comes around once every 10 years and collects the basic demographic information from communities across the United States. The census informs how federal funding is allocated to communities for the next decade, including dollars for education, health care, nutrition, and highway construction. Local governments use census data to understand where people live and to determine which areas are growing or changing. This information is critical when creating public policy and planning for public infrastructure.

When will the census counting begin?

Census invitations will be mailed to households in mid-March. Only one person per household should respond for all those that live there. Please be sure to count roommates, young children, newborns, and anyone who is renting a space in your home. Household responses are due by July 31st.

What will the census ask?

Examples of the questions asked are:

  • How many people are living or staying at the home on April 1, 2020?
  • Is the home owned or rented?
  • What is the age, sex, and race of each person in the home?
  • Is any person in the home of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
  • What is the relationship of each person in the home.

Anyone concerned to participate in the 2020 census should know that in the summer of 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 2020 census could not include a citizenship question. All of the information shared with the census is confidential and is not shared with law enforcement or any other governmental agency.