The Census is coming! The Census is coming!
If “demographics is destiny,” then the results of the 2020 Census will significantly influence the destiny of local governments and representation across the State of California. The Census is a big deal. Though it may seem like there is plenty of time, public agencies need to start planning now, if they have not already.
The impact of responses will reverberate over several years. These years will compound, putting billions of dollars at stake for agencies. Cities in particular should take action to ensure residents are aware and ready to participate in the Census. Cities with a significant population that may fear the federal government knocking on their doors will need to work particularly hard to prepare their communities.
Population undercounts will not only impact the allocation of grant funds and federal or state allocations, but will also ripple through to representation in Congressional, Assembly and Senate districts. Perhaps most importantly and immediately of interest to our core readers, with a significant upswing in the adoption of local government district elections (many inspired by the California Voting Rights Act), the Census results will likely require changes to existing district lines in the vast majority of districted cities.
My volunteer role as a Vice Chair at the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College has given me a front row seat on Census-related matters. The Rose Institute will be conducting a series of webinars with experts on district elections and the California Voting Rights Act.
Click/tap here to learn more about the work of the Rose Institute on this important issue.
The Count Counts,
