From The City of Fredericksburg:
Census takers have begun visiting households who have not yet responded to the Census, as the U.S. Census Bureau begins enumeration activities nationwide. The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone who lives in the United States on April 1, 2020 (Census Day). Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and inform how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers annually for the next 10 years. It is estimated that every person counted in the Census will bring $20,000 to our community.
“So far, only 64% percent of Fredericksburg households have responded to the Census,” states Susanna Finn, Fredericksburg’s Community Development Planner. “Completing the census ensures our City will receive the funding we need for valuable community services like educational and housing programs. This is important for our whole community and we need every household counted. Responding online at is easy, safe, and confidential and I hope everyone will visit 2020census.gov.”
Households can still respond now online at 2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by completing and mailing back the paper questionnaire they received. Households can respond online or by phone in one of 13 languages and find assistance in many more. Households that respond on their own will not be visited by a Census worker.
What Households Can Expect
Census takers are required to wear masks when they visit and to follow all state and local public health guidelines. They may make several attempts to each household to obtain census information. This includes leaving notification of the attempted visit on the door. The notification will include reminder information on how to respond online, by paper or by phone. In addition, census workers may try to reach the household by phone to conduct the interview.
Census takers are hired from local communities. All census takers speak English, and many are bilingual. If a census taker does not speak the householder’s language, the household may request a return visit from a census taker who does. Census takers will also have materials on hand to help identify the household’s language.
How to Identify Census Takers
Census takers will display a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. They may also carry Census Bureau bags and other items with the Census logo. To confirm a census taker’s identity, the public may contact their regional census center to speak with a Census Bureau representative.
Households have until September 30th to submit their information to the Census and everyone is encouraged to do so. “By responding to the Census, we will shape the future for ourselves, our families, and our City for the next ten years. Everyone counts in our community” said Finn. For more information visit https://2020census.gov/
