This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
March 12, 2020 began the official Census count in Longmont! This date marks the first day households in Longmont and other communities across the state started receiving their invitation to participate in the Census. This invitation letter includes:
- An Overview of the Census
- A unique code linked to an address (the Census ID number)
- The URL and telephone number for Census completion
- A description of how to complete the Census in another language.
The letter will be addressed to “Resident” and will provide details on how to respond to the Census. It’s easier than ever with three ways to respond:
- Online: Visit my2020census.gov
- Mail: Fill out the questionnaire mailed to your home
- Phone: Call 844-330-2020 (en español 844-468-2020)
Over the past several months, Longmont City staff, non-profit partners, Boulder County, and others have been working to get the word out about the importance of the Census. A complete, accurate count is important for a variety of reasons:
· It provides needed data and information about our community. This informs the programs and services we deliver for our residents.
· It is the basis for the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding, which support more than 100 programs that are relied upon by our residents and our staff. Estimates show that Longmont is allocated approximately $1,500 per resident per year! This funding supports programs like Medicaid, Head Start, block grants, education, highway construction, SNAP, and many others.
· It determines the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives; Colorado is expected to gain a seat as a result of the 2020 Census. Further, the counts are used to redraw congressional and state legislative districts.
We need your help! Please make sure your household responds to the Census. You can be assured that the Census is safe and secure. No one, including City leaders, the governor, or even the president, see individual responses – all data is protected and confidentiality is guaranteed.
If you have further questions about the 2020 Census or Longmont’s efforts, check out on-line resources at: longmontcolorado.gov/census. Thanks for doing your part to ensure Everyone Counts in Longmont!
