Importance of the 2020 Census for Business and Economy
Securing an accurate 2020 U.S. Census is crucial for businesses as it provides essential demographic data for decision-making in areas such as workforce, customer base, and market analysis. A complete count ensures billions of dollars in economic activities are accurately estimated, influences government resource allocation, and affects voter representation. Businesses play a vital role in contributing to a successful census count, which is integral for a strong economy and efficient governance.
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Note: The following slides are meant to highlight some of the key arguments regarding why the 2020 census is important for business and how business can contribute to achieving a complete count. You may use the entire slide deck or individual slides as you like, and you will find sources and talking points included in the notes sections of some slides. We do ask that you keep slide 12, if possible, encouraging interested business leaders to contact us. If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Connor-Naylor at jnaylor@readynation.org.
Data for a Strong Economy: Securing an Accurate 2020 U.S. Census
Census Basics A count of the population every 10 years is mandated by the Constitution. Includes all residents in the U.S., regardless of age, citizenship status, etc. The next begins on April 1, 2020. In modern era, the decennial census system includes: Short, basic survey of all residents every 10 years; A longer survey sent to a smaller percentage of residents that provides more detailed annual data.
Business Relies on the Census Offers detailed economic and demographic data to assess potential employees, customers, products and markets: Customers (income, age, family size, location) Workforce skills (education) Transportation (commuting, cost) Example: Helps retail companies identify where to locate new stores and what products to offer on their shelves.
Billions of Dollars in Economic Activity at Stake The national unemployment rate Interest rates Inflation rates Exports The Consumer Price Index Housing sales Construction figures Entrepreneurship Due to its size, the decennial census is used to develop and test the accuracy of commercial databases, private market analysis and important demographic and economic data created by the government. An inaccurate count will impact calculations and/or decisions about:
Efficient Government Relies on the Census Ensures public dollars are effectively distributed to the appropriate people and communities: Roughly $800 billion from 300 federal programs including education and workforce development resources For example, $38 billion from the Highway Planning and Construction Program Properly allocate voter representation An estimated 16 states could lose or gain up to three Congressional seats based on the 2020 count
Threats to a Complete 2020 Count Bureau is preparing for first tech-based census, implementing an online form and mobile data collection tools. However, the Census received less funding between 2012 and 2017 than requested by the Administration. The Census Bureau has been forced to cancel multiple regional tests, which help identify and solve problems. Bureau is also facing delays or challenges: Implementing proper security to protect data Hiring local and regional staff due to low unemployment
Adequate Federal Funding is Critical Received adequate funding in FY18 federal budget, but the bureau is already behind due to years of underfunding Resources proposed by the House and Senate in FY19 budget bills are a good start Need to make final decisions to continue necessary preparations in 2019 Ensure adequate resources in 2020 budget
Additional Barriers to a Complete Count The Census Bureau also faces historic barriers to counting specific populations including: Young children Rural households Minority communities
Business Can Help! Business can help encourage participation in the census, especially among hard to count groups, via: Employee communications (Ex. Info in break rooms, newsletters, company intranet) Customer communications (Ex. Store signs, grocery bags, utility bills) Use of social media Connect with local Complete Count Committee
Business Can Help! Support adequate federal funding for the census: Lend name to business sign-on letters Lend name to op-eds/LTEs Reach out directly to legislators by phone, email, or in-person
Join Business for the 2020 Census: Free, private email listserv No obligations, no commitment of time Receive strategic opportunities by email to lend name to activities that support adequate funding and help encourage employees and/or customers to participate in the census Network staff will provide draft materials for review to minimize time to participate Sponsored by ReadyNation - national, nonpartisan, nonprofit business membership organization est. in 2006 Learn more at strongnation.org/census
