Williamson County Aims For Accurate Census Count

AUSTIN, TX — The public is invited to the Williamson County Census Complete Count Committee Kickoff, officials said this week.

What exactly is the Williamson County Complete Count Committee Kickoff? WilCo officials enthusiastically explain: "Join the committee, community leaders, area partners, non-profits, outreach groups, community members, and others in launching the County’s effort to make sure everyone in Williamson County is counted!"

County officials correctly deem a complete population count as being "extremely important," given the role Census figures play in determining the allocation of funds for federal spending programs — including highway planning and construction, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, very low to moderate income housing loans, state children’s health insurance program, Federal Direct Student Loans, Community Development Block Grants, school funding for things such as free and reduced lunch and more.

Here are some further details on the kickoff event:

WHERE: Williamson County Georgetown Annex, 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, Texas second floor large meeting room

WHEN: Wednesday, February 5, 1 p.m.

WHY: In September, the Williamson County Commissioners Court appointed a 13-person committee to raise awareness regarding the 2020 Census and motivate residents to respond. Even a mere 1 percent under-count could have a significant impact to programs and initiatives in the county, officials noted. The upshot: It's estimated that an area could possibly lose approximately $1,500 per each person not counted in the Census.

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell plans to be at the kickoff, flanked with mayors and other elected officials from Williamson County cities to illustrate unified support for a complete count in Williamson County, officials said.