2020 Census kicks off

The 2020 census kicked off April 1, and Shelby County hopes to exceed its 2010 response of 80%, with a goal to be at 90% this time around.

“The census is very important, and we at Shelby County take it very seriously,” said Reggie Holloway, manager of community services for the county.

The 2010 response rate was one of the highest in the state, with only three other counties hitting that mark.

Holloway said the county has a Complete Count committee that is made up of 72 people, representing various segments of the county — such as media, churches, schools, government and businesses — which are tasked with specific areas to encourage people to do their part in the census.

The committee has been meeting monthly to devise its plan and understand what it needs to do to make sure the community reaches its goal. Committee members each represent specific areas, and their role is to get word out to their constituency, Holloway said.

The group’s efforts began last fall when they partnered with the University of Montevallo along with the city, and spelled out 2020 census on the lacrosse field to not only energize themselves, but to get word out as well.

There is a reminder on tag renewals about the census, and every person that visits the license offices receives a pledge card and a count card that features an Alabama and Auburn 2020 football schedule on the back.

Other ways the county is promoting the census include putting out signs in low count areas and signage on Clastran vehicles to get word to senior citizens.

Mail notifications began on March 12, giving people the opportunity to complete the census online. This will be the first digital census, and Holloway said he believes it will make a difference in Shelby County. Alabama Counts is working with agencies and organizations to secure public locations across the state where you may fill out your online census form.

Residents will also be able to call a toll-free number to complete the census over the phone or request a traditional paper form. For those who have not responded before May 2020, U.S. Census Bureau employees will visit their place of residence to conduct a count.

Alabama stands to lose $13 billion in federal funding if everyone is not counted in the census, and also stands to lose a congressional representative seat. A projected slowed population growth in Alabama has put the state in danger of losing one of its seven congressional seats after the 2020 Census.

For each person not counted, it can cost the state $1,600 per year over the next 10 years. The funds received from the federal government go toward programs such as highway planning, construction of bridges and roads, free and reduced lunch program in schools, funding for Medicaid and Medicare Part B, childcare development, foster care, head start, section 8 housing vouchers and more.

“We’ve got a lot at stake,” said Holloway. “During a meeting I went to in Montgomery, one official said this is one of the most important censuses in our lifetime.”

There are 12 questions on the census, and Holloway said it only takes about six to 10 minutes to actually complete. It asks how many people live in the residence, the type of residence, phone number, name, sex, date of birth and race. Information not requested includes Social Security numbers, bank account or political party affiliation.

The census ends in July and results will be tallied and the official numbers will be delivered to the president on December 31.

“Our goal is to get this done and completed as soon as possible,” Holloway said. “Our committee goal is to have a hard push at the very beginning and reach 90% as soon as possible.”

For more information on the census, visit census.alabama.gov or 2020census.gov.