CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The next National Census Day is just months away on April 1, and Mecklenburg County officials are preparing.
The census is a population count that guides funding from the federal government. It’s conducted every 10 years and participation is required by federal law. But experts say many go unaccounted for, possibly costing the county millions in funding it’s eligible for.
Monday, Mecklenburg County Officials held a press conference in uptown Charlotte, detailing their plans to make sure every resident is counted.
“I want to join those who have come before me and implore every resident of Mecklenburg County to participate in the 2020 Census,” George Dunlap, Chair, Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, said.
Researchers are estimating the 2020 Census will guide $1.5 trillion dollars in spending.
Just how does that impact you? After the last census in 2010, officials say North Carolina received nearly $24 billion from the federal government. That’s a little more than $2,000 per North Carolina resident, per year.
“If it is as complete as possible then that means additional dollars over and above what we have gotten historically will come to Mecklenburg county,” Dunlap said.
Dunlap says much of that money is then used across the county for things like highway planning and construction, childcare, special education, early childhood education programs, Head Start, foster care, Medicare and other healthcare programs, title 1 grants, SNAP, WIC and many more.
In addition to funding, the census determines the number of seats North Carolina has in the House of Representatives. North Carolina currently has 13, but officials say if the Census 2020 count is done right, the state could gain an additional seat.
Dunlap says that during the last census, taken in 2010, it’s estimated the state missed getting a 14th seat by less than 15,800 people.
“More representation, more representation means more influence in Washington ... we could use that right about now,” he said.
Officials say residents will receive a letter in the mail as early as March, letting them know the count has begun. During the 2020 Census, for the first time ever, respondents can respond online in addition to previous options of responding by mail or phone.
Officials say they’re also looking for volunteers to help with the count.