About the Census

As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, America gets just one chance each decade to count its population. The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution and takes place every 10 years. The data collected by the decennial census determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives (a process called apportionment) and is also used to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities.

The next Census in 2020 will require counting an increasingly diverse and growing population of around 330 million people in more than 140 million housing units. To get an accurate count, the Census Bureau must build an accurate address list of every housing unit, maximize self-response to the census, and efficiently follow up with those who do not respond.

Why a Census?

The information the Census collects helps determine how more than $675 billion of federal funding is distributed to states and communities each year. 

In Phoenix, an accurate 2020 Census count represents $533/per person totaling an approximate amount of $866 million/a year.  This funding helps to provide vital resources, programs and services such as housing, transportation, education, public safety, and so much more. 

History of the Census

Thomas Jefferson led the first census in 1790. It had six questions: name of head of family and the number of persons in each household in five categories.

Ad Hoc Committee

The 2020 Census Ad Hoc Committee was established by Mayor Thelda Williams in an effort to continue and strengthen the City of Phoenix Census efforts. The Ad Hoc Committee is comprised of councilmembers and community leaders who will help lead the City's census efforts by listening, reviewing and providing input and guidance to the Census Complete Count Subcommittees.

The members of the 2020 Census Ad Hoc Committee include Mayor Thelda Williams, Councilwoman Debra Stark, Councilwoman Vania Guevara and community leaders who include Jenifer Corey, Gema Duarte-Luna, Gerardo Higginson, Lachele Mangum, and Verma Pastor.

Complete Count Committee

To engage community support for an accurate and complete 2020 Census, Mayor Thelda Williams recommended the establishment and appointment of the Phoenix 2020 Census Complete Count Committee (CCC). The Committee’s mission is to develop and implement a public awareness program to inform Phoenix residents about the importance and benefits of completing and submitting the 2020 Census questionnaire and to encourage every Phoenix household to participate.

The Phoenix Complete Count Committee (CCC) will be organized into five subcommittees: Media/Technology, Communities of Faith, Business/Philanthropy/Heath Care, Equitable Community Outreach, and Education. A broad cross-section of Phoenix residents were nominated to serve on these subcommittees, and each of the individuals listed has confirmed his or her commitment to serve on the CCC. In addition to the community representatives listed below, we will continue to appoint additional committee members as needed through April 2019, one year out from Census Day, April 1, 2020, based on the development of the outreach plan.

Employment Opportunities

The enumeration process is quite an undertaking and will require the recruitment and training of many individuals in helping the Census Bureau achieves a complete count. The city of Phoenix is working with the Census Bureau to provide information to the residents of Phoenix in acquiring one of many positions that will be available in the coming months. Please visit the 2020 Census Jobs website to learn more about openings in Phoenix.​

Partners

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Contact

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