Learn about the local value of your participation in the 2020 U.S. Census.
Responding to the Census ensures that your community receives fair representation in federal and state legislatures, and are provided a fair share of funding for roads and public transit, healthcare, schools and student loans, public safety, housing and parks.
According to Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity, each uncounted household represents a loss of about $1,500 annually in funding for programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Federal Transportation grants, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The 2020 U.S. Census may be completed online, over the phone, or by paper survey. Instructions will be sent to your residence via U.S. mail by April 1st. Early response to the survey is encouraged. Census takers will begin visiting homes that have not responded to the 2020 Census in May to help make sure everyone is counted.
By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. In mid-March, households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census. A sample envelope is shown below along with the sample letter each household will receive, so be on the lookout for this official mailing from the Census Bureau.
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These are some of the programs that use Census data for fund distribution:
- Redrawing of district maps for the federal and state House of Representatives, for county commissioners, city councils and other political districts
- Population estimates and forecasts for State Revenue Sharing and other state programs, especially school funding
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Population and housing data for Lee Metropolitan Planning Organization highway planning
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Distribution of federal grants and state grants, including:
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Community Development Block Grant/SHIP grant
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HOME grants
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Continuum of Care
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Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Sheriff)
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Florida Department of Family and Children Services programs – TANF, State ESG and Challenge
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LeeTran – Federal Transportation Administration grants
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Mapping new locations for public safety services, libraries, etc.