Dayton plays catch-up on the 2020 census
Census Bureau employees began knocking on doors in local neighborhoods Aug. 11 and will continue through Sept. 30.
One of the most challenging census efforts in history has entered its final phase, with U.S. Census Bureau employees visiting neighborhoods to assist residents in completing responses to the official count of the American population.
Census Bureau employees began knocking on doors in Dayton neighborhoods on Aug. 11 and will continue through Sept. 30. Census representatives must collect responses from households that have not already self-responded. The goal is to get a 100% response rate.
Of Ohio’s 10 largest cities, Dayton ranks near the bottom in response rates.
Following is information you can use to help a full count of Dayton residents occur. (Reminder: it is estimated that for every local resident not counted, the region loses $1,800 in federal support for essential services including education, public health and street/ highway improvements).
If you respond online or by phone today, a census taker is less likely to visit your home to collect your response. Call 844-3302020 or go to mycensus2020.gov. What to expect:
· If your household has not responded to the census survey, the census taker will ask several questions to complete your response. It takes just a few minutes, and your information is confidential.
· If no one is home when the census taker visits, the census taker will leave a notice with information about how to respond online, by phone, or by mail.
· Census takers will wear masks and follow local public health guidelines when they visit. All census takers completed a COVID19 training on health and safety protocols.
· If the census taker who visits your home does not speak your language, you may request a return visit by a worker who does speak your language.
How to verify that someone is a census taker:
· If someone visits your home to collect information for the 2020 Census, check to make sure they have a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce mark, and an expiration date. Census workers may also carry Census Bureau bags and other equipment with the Census Bureau logo.
· If you still have questions about their identity, you can contact your regional census center to speak with a Census Bureau representative. Call 267-780-2600 or 1-800-262-4236.