City of Snoqualmie
News Release
For immediate release: March 19, 2020
U.S. Census Impacts Local Resources and Representation
Households will receive U.S. Census ballots starting in mid-March.
Snoqualmie, WA – Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau takes on the monumental task of counting all people residing in the United States. On a local level, this count impacts fund allocation for community public resources over the next decade along with representation in state and federal government. “This is a great opportunity for the City of Snoqualmie,” said Mayor Matt Larson.
Infrastructure is one of the main ways Snoqualmie is impacted by the census. When residents respond, it helps the community obtain its fair share of the more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on roads, influencing both highway planning and construction.
The census assists in planning community structures such as schools and hospitals. Census results help determine how money is allocated for programs such as Head Start along with grants supporting teachers and special education. Other programs impacted by census data include those that support rural areas, prevent child abuse, and provide housing assistance for older adults.
Census data also influences public safety and emergency preparedness needs. Statistics from the 2020 Census will provide baseline numbers not only for federal disaster relief, but also for preparation and rescue coordination, including preparing for wildfires. This can lead to more effective emergency response times and rescue operations, along with fund allocation for rebuilding.
The results of this once-per-decade count influence residents’ representation. Data from the census helps determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives, and is used to draw U.S. congressional and state legislative districts based on where populations have increased or decreased.
Filling out the census is secure and only used to produce statistics; personal information is kept confidential and not shared with other government agencies. The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release responses in any way that could identify a respondent or anyone else in their home.
In mid-March, households will begin receiving official Census Bureau invitations in the mail with detailed information on how to respond, whether online, by phone, or by mail. In May, census takers will visit those who haven’t responded to the census to help ensure everyone is counted. These census takers, who are there to help, are legally bound to protect your information.
Watch a video about the 2020 Census with Mayor Matt Larson at youtube.com/user/SnoqualmieCityGovt.
To learn more about the U.S. Census, visit 2020Census.gov.
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Gail Folkins, City of Snoqualmie
gfolkins@snoqualmiewa.gov
cityofsnoqualmie.org
425-888-1555 / 425-275-7950