(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that residents will start receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census as early as this week. Once you receive an invitation by mail, there are three ways you can complete the census this year – online, over the phone, or through the mail.
“The 2020 Census is more than just a constitutionally mandated activity – it’s about equity and making sure every resident is counted,” said Mayor Bowser. “Filling out the census ensures the District receives the federal resources we need – from education, housing, health care, and more – to give everyone living in our city a fair shot.”
Every 10 years, the U.S. Constitution requires the federal government to count all persons living in the US. The 2020 Census is easy, safe, and confidential. Residents will answer a simple questionnaire about themselves and everyone who is living with them. DC residents should respond to the 2020 Census as soon as they are able in the way that is most convenient for them.
Mayor Bowser has made it clear that her administration is committed to doing everything it can to count all residents. For the past year, the DC Census team, comprised of government and community partners, has been engaging with residents in all eight wards.
The federal government uses Census data to distribute more than $6 billion annually to the District for vital programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Section Eight Housing Choice Vouchers, Children’s Health Insurance, and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance. Census data is also used to update ward and ANC boundaries; and DC Government agencies rely on the data for budgeting, planning, and decision making.
Follow #GetCountedDC, visit 2020census.gov, or call 1-844-330-2020 (English) or 1-844-468-2020 (Spanish) for more information. To get involved in your community, please visit dccensus2020.dc.gov.