Every ten years, the Census Bureau counts the entire population of the country and collects demographic information, such as age, race, sex and living situations of each person. The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time the country has counted its population since 1790. 

Official Census Bureau invitations will be mailed starting Thursday, March 12. Once you receive your invitation, be sure to “Make Westy Count” by responding online, by phone or by mail. When you respond to the Census, you’ll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1.

The city has a vested interest in achieving an accurate and complete Census because the results will:

• Determine the proper apportionment of representatives with the legislative bodies of the U.S. House of Representatives and Colorado State Legislature
• Affect the distribution of over $675 billion in federal and state funding each year
• Be used to determine state and county voting districts
• Determine the correct allocation of Federal dollars for public health, education, transportation, child and elder care, food assistance, disaster response, and many other critical programs and services
• Inform city master planning, public safety, emergency preparedness and other city projects

Everyone who is counted represents $1,500 in funding for new roads, schools, hospitals, housing loans and more than 100 programs. The Colorado Health Institute (CHI) has identified a potential four percent undercount in Colorado, which would result in the city forfeiting $67 million over the next ten years. 

Because the Census is also used to apportion Congressional representation, the State of Colorado may be able to gain one or two Congressional seats to ensure fair representation, based on recent growth. An undercount may jeopardize Colorado’s opportunity for apportionment to adequately represent the current population.
 
New for the 2020 Census is technology to make it easier than ever to respond to the Census. For the first time, you will be able to respond online and by phone. For those who do not have internet access, a paper form will be made available. You may also use the computers at College Hill Library and Irving Street Library to fill out the Census online. All of your information is confidential and safe.
 
We ask all residents to “Make Westy Count!”

For more information, visit the city’s Census page.