2020 Census Update
August 7, 2020
A message from your County Census 2020 Team
We wanted to share this important message with you from County Executive, Armond Budish:

"The Trump administration announced this week that they were moving up the deadline for the final Census count from October 31st to September 30th. This move comes at just the time when the Census would normally be going full force to count the hardest to reach residents in our county. 

"Who are these people? Generally, immigrants, the poor, the transient and young children. A disproportionate number of minorities. Now the Census must provide an accurate picture of these households—by some counts, nearly four in every 10 households—in just six weeks. 

"The Census provides data that informs funding for almost every support we provide to our most vulnerable. The count also effects our representation in congress and the state house. 

"The decisions that will follow, like the numbers of seats in congress, will be based in part on a comparison of our population to other communities. And if you compare Cuyahoga County to those counties that we “compete” with, we are losing. 

"So far, our response rate is 63.7 percent. That trails Allegheny (Pittsburgh), Wayne (Detroit), Erie (Buffalo), Milwaukee, Baltimore, Hennepin (Minneapolis), and many others. 

"This decision to shorten the count schedule is an about-face from the Census Bureau’s position early on in the pandemic when they said they needed more time to complete the count, not less. In fact, four former Census Bureau directors who have served under Democratic and Republican presidents have protested this action. 

"This move is yet another in President Trump’s blatant attempt to disrupt the Census, a non-partisan activity which has survived the centuries intact. No longer.

"By causing people who are poor, minorities, and immigrants to be overlooked, the pillars of our democracy are being threatened by President Trump. 

"How can you fight back? Fill out the Census! Don’t let our president dictate whether or not you will be counted. Call 844-330-2020 to fill out the Census by phone."

We have 53 days left to get a complete count. Please keep pushing as hard as you can.
Michele Pomerantz,
Director of Regional Collaboration
Simeon Best,
Program Administrator for Cuyahoga Counts
10 Minutes to Shape
the Next 10 Years

We're going back to basics this week with this simple video from our Co-Chair, Dr. Thornton. "Just 10 minutes and nine questions to shape your future for the next 10 years." Enough said. Please share this message!
What's Happening at the County
Response Rate: The Census response rate for Cuyahoga County stands at 63.8% as of August 5. Bay Village is leading the charge with 85.8% counted, and East Cleveland is trailing at 31.5% counted. You can visit the County Planning page to view a real-time map. You can also visit the Census Response Rate site to view statistics by state and county.
What's Happening in the Community
Where is the CCC Van Today? Our Complete Count Van is hitting the road to visit our communities and spread the Census message. We will be visiting grocery stores, food distributions, and outdoor events.

We will also be visiting the Cuyahoga County Public Library Parking Lot Events. The Library will be holding open air voter registration and Census drives right in their parking lots.

Cruise through and get everything done in one easy trip without having to get out of your car!

Here's where the van is heading next:

Sunday, Aug. 9th, 3-5 p.m. 
Richmond Heights Tailgate at Sears
Wednesday, Aug. 12th, 1-3PM  
CCPL Warrensville Branch Event
Friday, Aug. 14th, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 
Dave’s Supermarket Midtown
Friday, Aug. 21st, 11 a.m.– 1 p.m.
CCPL Garfield Heights Branch Event
Wednesday Aug. 26th, 3-5 p.m.
CCPL Brooklyn Branch Event
Friday, Aug. 28th, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Dave’s Supermarket Ridge Road
Tuesday, Sept. 1st, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
CCPL Parma-Snow Branch Event
Tuesday, October 6th, 3:30–5:30 p.m. 
CCPL Parma-Snow Branch Event
Tailgate Time: The City of Richmond Heights invites the public to come out this Sunday from 3-5 p.m. for family tailgate fun to include free COVID-19 tests, free masks and giveaways and a discussion on "Belle Oaks and More." 

Panelists include Mayor David Roche, Economic Development Director Brian Gleisser, RHLS Superintendent Dr. Renee Willis, Metrohealth System's Dr. Erron L. Bell and Belle Oaks Project Manager Christel Best. 

Complete Count Committee members will be on hand to answer all your Census questions. Download the flyer or call Councilwoman Kim Thomas at (216) 571-4626 for details.
ADAMHSCC in Action: The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County put together a Census outreach campaign that ran in July,

The campaign targeted the City of Cleveland and City of East Cleveland through geo-targeted digital and radio ads on radio.com, print ads with the Call & Post newspaper. They also employed a sound van, which drove through specific neighborhoods with the lowest response in Cleveland and East Cleveland for one weekend playing an ad about the Census.
Tree of Growth: Cleveland Heights Council member Davida Russell challenged University Heights Council member Barbara Blankfeld to the “Battle of the Census,” a friendly competition to see which city could grow its 2020 Census response rate by 20 percent in the month of June.

Although neither City reached the 20 percent increase in one month, Cleveland Heights did have the larger percentage growth. Both council members stressed that everyone benefits regardless of who "wins."

The winning City – Cleveland Heights – will receive a “tree of growth” from University Heights as a prize for outpacing the other City.
How You Can Help
Be Laser Focused
The window is closing for our outreach efforts. If there is something you have been thinking about doing, or a group you have been wanting to reach, now is the time to make it happen.

Reach out if you need help implement-ing your ideas. We're here to help.
Pick a Partner
If your group is small and your budget is tight, consider partnering with another agency.

We have many contacts throughout the county, and can make a connection no matter the distance. Challenge always steps up the game!
Have questions or need assistance?

In Census 2020 ... #CuyahogaCounts!
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