Chesapeake In The Know

In March 2020, you’ll be invited to take the most important survey of the decade – the Census. Every 10 years, as was laid out in the US Constitution, every person living in the United States is to be counted. This includes literally every person in every household, from infants to seniors, citizens and non-citizens alike. The count also includes the homeless and members of the military who are deployed overseas. Anyone living in your household on April 1, 2020 must be counted.

Why does this matter so much? The Census determines how we are represented in Congress and how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed. We want as much of it as possible to come to Chesapeake. For every person who does not take the census, we stand to miss out on $20,000 over the next decade. These are funds that could go towards schools, infrastructure, hospitals, and public safety. 

Doing your part to be part of the Census is now easier than ever with the new option to take it online. In March, you’ll receive an invitation in the mail that directs you to take the Census online using your cellphone or a computer. If you don’t have computer or internet access, you can visit any public library where assistance will be provided.  If you don’t take the Census online, your next option will be to take it by phone or by hand before a Census worker comes to your house to help you get counted.

Learn everything you need to know about the census at CityofChesapeake.net/Census-2020.