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The new coronavirus emergency is a reminder of how important the Census count is, since local funding for health and social services is often tied to population numbers.
Contra Costa County, like communities nationwide, is gearing up now for the 2020 Census.
Census numbers, or how many people are counted, matter in ways that might surprise you:
- The Census determines the number of Representatives each state has in Congress and how the boundaries of congressional districts are drawn.
- Census data is used to distribute billions of dollars in Federal and State funding for things such as roads, schools, libraries, health clinics, playgrounds. Being counted brings those resources back to your community.
Data from the 2020 Census won't help us immediately. But it sets a baseline that will be used for funding decisions for years.
Starting in May, you will probably get a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau with instructions on a few ways to get counted--online, on the phone, or in person.
Trained County Census teams are already working on reaching harder-to-count people, such as those without homes or permanent addresses.
If you don't get a letter, don't worry. You can contact the Census at 916-215-5037 or by email at
info@census.ca.gov
C
ensus workers will make door-to-door follow-up counts to reach those who haven't responded.
Don't worry about your immigration status
- The information you give the Census is confidential and will not be shared with any other government agency including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), law enforcement, or President of the United States.
- There is no citizenship question on the Census.
This year's census has ten questions about age, gender, race, and household relationships. It should take about ten minutes to answer, depending on the size of the household.
Looking for work?
The U.S. Census Bureau is
looking for Contra Costa County residents for supervisory and non-supervisory jobs, paying $25 - $27.50 per hour.
Apply online
2020census.gov/jobs
.
For more information or help applying, please call 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020)
Lots of places to go for more information, in many languages:
Includes a drop-down virtual census assistant who answers questions!
For regular Census updates:
Text COUNT to 925-402-4057* for updates and information about Census 2020.
*Message and data rates may apply. Reply EXIT at any time to stop receiving messages
Let's all get counted! This is an important way to participate in democracy.
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