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Have you filled out the 2020 Census? Here’s what’s at stake for Birmingham.
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The deadline for the 2020 Census is rapidly approaching. If you haven’t had the time to fill it out, don’t worry—it’s simple and takes less than ten minutes to finish. Your community is counting on you—fill out the 2020 Census today.
Census Results Determine Funding and Representation
Every ten years, our nation undergoes a recalibration of sorts. It is a necessary tool of our democracy to make sure that we are living up to the promise of a fair and inclusive system for all Americans. That starts with representation.
Hunter Williams, City Councilor, District 2
Every ten years, the federal government conducts a nationwide census to count the entire population of the country and where people live. It is incredibly important for that data to be accurate, as it determines how and where hundreds of billion of dollars in federal funds are distributed. In a fast-growing city like Birmingham, having accurate population data is crucial.
- Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities each year, including health clinics, fire departments, schools, roads and highways.
- Census results also determine how many seats in Congress each state gets.
The U.S. has conducted a census every ten years since 1790, but 2020 is a little different. For the first time ever, you can complete the form online, by phone and by mail.
The redrawing of America’s political boundaries utilizes fresh data about the American population, which is why census participation is so vital to having an accurate representation of our communities.
Hunter Williams, City Councilor, District 2
How does Birmingham stack up?
The deadline for the 2020 Census is fast approaching—and let’s be honest, Birmingham could be doing better. According to the 2020 Census Response Rate website, 61.6% of Alabamians have responded to the census—slightly behind the national rate of 64.6%.
However, the city of Birmingham response rate is lagging behind at 53.2%. Compared to some of our neighboring communities, Birmingham isn’t doing too well:
- Center Point – 60.6%
- Fairfield – 58.5%
- Hueytown – 67.4%
- Fultondale – 71.3%
- Homewood – 68.0%
- Pinson – 71.2%
- Midfield – 59.6%
- Hoover – 75.9%
- Vestavia Hills – 80.3%
- Pelham – 80.0%
- Mountain Brook – 83.8%
- Trussville – 85.1%
Luckily, there’s still time for Birmingham to catch up. The official deadline for the 2020 census is September 30th—and filling out the census takes less than ten minutes.
Filling Out the Census is Easier Than Ever
The 2020 census questionnaire is quick & simple, and should only take around ten minutes to complete. Plus, your answers are confidential and secure—you don’t need to worry about your information and privacy.
By now, you should have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census, which provides you with a unique 12-digit Census ID.
Have questions? 2020census.gov has the answers to responding:
- Online
- By Phone
- By Mail
If you have problems completing the 2020 Census questionnaire, call 1.844.330.2020 for assistance.
Representative democracy is what this country was founded on and it’s the heart of everything we do on the Council – we work on behalf of the people we represent. Our task on the Census Committee will be to oversee and monitor the Census redistricting efforts as well as provide information to the public about their participation and what they can do to help.
Hunter Williams, City Councilor, District 2
Do your part and fill out the 2020 Census today. Your community is counting on you.
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