Ensuring An Accurate 2020 Census Count

The 2020 census will determine—for the next 10 years—federal funding for such programs as food assistance to needy families, early childhood education for low-income children and maintenance for our bridges and roads, as well as the number of congressional seats the state has and how political districts are drawn. A low count in New York City and state could cost us one or two representatives in Congress and billions of dollars in federal aid.

New York is filled with hard to count communities, including immigrants, non-English speaking New Yorkers and children.Additionally, federal funds have been eliminated for community-based outreach programs, which in the past have bolstered participation in the census.

Citizens Union successfully advocated for the city and state to adequately fund census outreach and are working with elected officials and civic leaders to create a comprehensive outreach plan to ensure that we have an accurate census count in 2020 so that New York receives its fair share of federal resources.