The City of Madison has issued a Call for Community Partners for 2020 Census outreach, seeking nonprofits, community groups, and individuals that are interested in doing intensive outreach to publicize the upcoming 2020 Census. Community Partners will be a critical part of reaching “Hard to Count” communities in the city – communities of color, immigrants, low-income households, college students, and others – that tend to respond to the census at lower levels. Reaching our diverse residents to talk about the importance of this once-every-ten-years count will require a coordinated effort between government and community groups.

A complete and accurate count of all city residents is critical. The 2020 Census will affect distribution of over $675 billion in federal funding per year for things like transportation, housing, health care, and child care. Each person not counted may result in a loss of over $2,000 per year to our community. Additionally, local, state, and federal legislative district boundaries are based on the census count. Everyone living in the city – not just citizens or voters – must be counted to ensure equal representation at all levels of government.

The City anticipates funding four to six community partners, providing a total of up to $100,000 for Census-related outreach activities. Nonprofits and community groups may apply for between $10,000 and $25,000. Individuals may apply for $2,000 to $6,000.

It’s easy to be considered for this opportunity: submit the short Letter of Interest form by noon on July 3, 2019. More information, including how to apply, is available on the City’s 2020 Census webpage: www.cityofmadison.com/2020Census. For more information regarding the Call for Community Partners, contact Ben Zellers, Planner, City of Madison Planning Division at 2020Census@cityofmadison.com.