The U.S. Constitution requires a census of all people living in the United States every 10 years.
A complete, accurate census count is necessary for equal political representation, fair distribution of federal and state funding, and sound planning and investment in infrastructure, real estate, business development, and public policy.
An important opportunity
Ramsey County has a wealth of diversity, including diverse racial and ethnic communities, thriving immigrant and refugee communities, a large student population, and many English-language learners.
However, the Census has disproportionately undercounted such communities in the past. Both past and projected response rates show that broad areas of Ramsey County, especially Saint Paul, are at risk of being undercounted. Low-wealth areas are particularly vulnerable.
Moreover, if a question on citizenship is added to the 2020 Census, it could suppress participation and result in an undercount of our immigrant and refugee communities. According to the American Community Survey, Ramsey County has a foreign-born population of 15 percent. Saint Paul’s foreign-born population is nearly 19 percent.
Working toward a complete count
The 2020 Census represents an opportunity to have all our residents counted. Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul have established a joint Complete Count Committee (CCC) for the 2020 Census. The purpose of the committee is to work together to achieve a complete count of all our residents. It brings together diverse representatives from local government, community organizations, faith-based groups, education, media and the local business community.
Working together, CCC members raise awareness about how the census works, the importance of an accurate, complete count, and the confidentiality of census data.
The joint CCC is co-chaired by Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt and Saint Paul City Councilmember Mitra Jalali Nelson.
For more information about the joint CCC and other efforts to prepare for the 2020 Census, please reach us using the contact form on the right.
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