2020 census

You could see canvassers from the Census Bureau in your neighborhood soon.

The Census Bureau is starting its first major field operation prior to the 2020 Census: address canvassing. Basically, the Census Bureau needs to verify people’s addresses so it can accurately send invitations to respond to and participate in the census. 

Lou Canfield is the city of Grand Rapids' Development Center Manager, and the Grand Rapids 2020 Complete Count Committee liaison. He works with that committee to ensure an accurate count from Grand Rapids.

In wake of reports of communities at risk of being undercounted for the 2020 U.S. census, organizations in West Michigan are investing in ways to make sure people of color fill out the census and are represented.

On Tuesday, Heart of West Michigan United Way, a nonprofit organization in Kent County, awarded grants to 19 agencies in Kent County to support census outreach in undercounted communities.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer says President Trump’s proposed citizenship question on the upcoming U.S. Census form will discourage participation. She says that would cost Michigan political power in Washington as well as federal money for schools, health care, and roads.

“I think with a lot of the rhetoric that’s happening in this country right now to add this question will create fear and will keep us from getting a complete count here in the state of Michigan,” she said.