Laguna Beach Urges Resident Participation in 2020 Census
City of Laguna Beach Urges Resident Participation in 2020 Census
City of Laguna Beach, April 30, 2020, Media Release
Laguna Beach, CA – Every 10 years, the United States Census Bureau conducts a population census to provide information for reapportionment of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and providing information to redraw congressional district boundaries. The data collected is also used for demographic purposes, and to make planning decisions about community services, such as: where to provide services for the elderly, build new roads and schools, locate job training centers, and distribute more than $675 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year.
Census takers report that Laguna Beach ranks very low for participation: we are currently 346 out of 482 California cities. A failure to count everyone in the Census can result in serious local consequences, as each person who is not counted results in an approximate loss of $20,000 in federal funding to our community during the 10-year period between each census. The primary goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place.
“While the census provides population data, it is also important for the City’s budget, as the City receives state revenues based on the number of people living in the City,” said Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig. “We need everybody to respond because it’s a significant amount of funds that otherwise would have to come from other local sources.”
Households began receiving census information in mid-March. This year for the first time, residents are able to respond to the census online. To get started, go to https://2020census.gov/.
“We encourage our citizens to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census and be counted,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen. “If you’ve already filled out your Census 2020 form, ask your friends and neighbors if they’ve filled out theirs. Everyone counts.”
For more information, visit 2020 Census Bureau.
