The US Constitution requires a census every ten years. The Census plays a very important role in American life. Decennial data at the census block level are used for redistricting and to enforce voting rights and civil rights legislation. The data are also used to support important government functions, such as appropriating federal funds to local communities (an estimated $675 billion annually); calculating monthly unemployment, crime, and poverty rates; and publishing health and education data. Finally, decennial data play an increasingly important role in U.S. commerce and the economy.
The Census Bureau conducts the Census, and local governments, businesses and non-profits support the effort with a community outreach and education program. Travis County is partnering with the City of Austin to facilitate participation and coordination by as many community partners as possible in spreading the word about, and encouraging participation in, the 2020 Census.
For more information, contact [email protected].
