Crow Wing County officials would like more communities in the county to respond to the census by having a friendly competition and a goal of 80% response total.
The census self-response period has been open to residents for a month as of this week. The county is now reporting a self-response rate of 39%.
“There is definitely some motivation needed for residents to respond to the census. We can’t stress enough the importance of getting counted,” county Administrative Services Director Deborah Erickson stated in a news release.
Online invitations were mailed to residents in mid-March asking for participation. People can respond online, and by phone or mail. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau’s field operations resume June 1.
“If we don’t get everyone counted accurately that could mean state and federal dollars will go to other parts of the state and not to Crow Wing County,” Erickson said.
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The census provides the basis for reapportioning congressional seats and distributing billions of dollars in federal funding for schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs in the community.
Data from the 2020 census will help establish funding levels for the next 10 years for services people are relying on right now, such as health care, first responders, unemployment insurance, small business loans and more.
Seasonal residents are encouraged to fill out their census form when they return to Crow Wing County.
“There is power in being counted. We thought a friendly competition among our communities would be a fun way to stay motivated and also earn some bragging rights,” Erickson said.
Stay up to date on neighboring communities’ response rates at crowwing.us/2020census . Complete the census questionnaire online at my2020census.gov , by phone at 844-330-2020 or by mail.
