Officials Highlight Call for an Accurate 2020 U.S. Census

by Larry Thaul

The 2020 Census is important because its results determine the number of congressional seats for each state and also the appropriation of nearly $700B of federal, state and local funds directly to our communities. Such vital services as healthcare, fire protection, schools, water, roads, police, emergency services will be funded at least in part as a result of this decennial effort. Owen Borda, Community Partnership Specialist of the NY Regional Census Center, and Norma Drummond Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Planning, shared this information at the Local Summit's October 8th breakfast program. They stated that the mission of the Census is to "count every person in the right place," as is required by the Constitution.

Dr. Borda described the project from a global perspective and called attention to the chronic underreported: the elderly, the undocumented, and those residences with multiple families cohabitating, noting that the most underreported in number are children who go uncounted if under school age or not enrolled. He explained that the U.S. Census Bureau has a trained staff who work closely with organizational leadership (e.g. faith-based, not for profits, libraries, etc.) to identify ways to reach out to each segment of residents including the homeless wherever they make their home. He assured the audience at the packed Nautilus Diner that 75 languages are accessible and that extreme confidentiality measures are taken. This includes the fact that no one has access to the information gathered, stating, "Once the information is gathered from the several questions, the name is removed from the list." Names and information are not shared with any other governmental agency or entity. He underscored the major push beginning 1/1/2020 to hire census personnel with the goal of some 6,200 in Westchester and Putnam counties. Most of these will be enumerators to work evenings and weekends and are the only personnel who can take data and assist in completing forms. They take an oath and are subject to severe fines and even imprisonment for data breaches. Hiring Requirements: Must be age 18 and have a driver's license.

Norma Drummond provided a useful timetable and data: "We are 174 days from Census Day: April 1st, 2020." She advised that the first of several mailings will be sent on March 12, 2020. Of particular note is the novel effort to create real time data, fillable forms which will be available online and via smartphones. Work on this innovation began in 2011 immediately following the previous census. The commissioner also defined terms such as 'block' and "census tract" or "C.T." which can include as many as 8,000 residents. Ideally, there should only be about 4,000 per C.T. to ensure a more precise determination of the needs for that population. There will also be "Census Designated Places" for distinct communities.

Although there are many other in depth economic surveys conducted by the Bureau, Ms. Drummond emphasized that just the 9 questions asked (10 minus the dropped citizenship question) will have major impact on the equitable distribution of funds. Millenials are important and college students in group housing are counted there yet those in private housing must step up to be counted.

She advised that County Executive Latimer began an effort in the form of a Complete Count Committee back in April to ensure that trained presenters visit with all parts of the community including not for profits, faith-based institutions, libraries, schools and youth education, senior citizens and the disabled. Commissioner Drummond was concerned that in 2018 fully 33% of those surveyed indicated they would not respond to the Census, an uptick from a previous survey in 2008. She pointed to the finding that only 79% of respondents even knew what the census was! She urged all in attendance to help in the conversation by explaining how much of our secure, healthy way of life depends on receiving our fair allocation for funding for services. She indicated that key areas subject to undercounting include the cities of Mount Vernon and Yonkers. Of note is the fact that after 80 years, Census data becomes public so the 1940 Census is now public information. The Larchmont Library will have an open session on November 7, at 7pm, conducted by U.S. Census Partnership Specialist, Karen Barnes.

Lastly, Commissioner Drummond alerted us that a newly composed Census Song will be heard in the publicity effort. Know that indeed "The Census is coming!" and stand up, spread the word and be counted. Our officials are enthusiastic in assuring us it's both safe and essential for the good of the entire community.

This breakfast forum was hosted by the Larchmont/Mamaroneck Local Summit, an informal community council that seeks to make life better for all in the tri-municipal area. Its monthly meetings are held at the Nautilus Diner in Mamaroneck at 7:45 a.m., generally on the second Tuesday of the month. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 12th on “Zoning, Housing and Local Development.”