1. Note:
The following slides are meant to highlight some of the key arguments regarding why the 2020 census is important for business and how business can contribute to achieving a complete count.
You may use the entire slide deck or individual slides as you like, and you will find sources and talking points included in the notes sections of some slides.
We do ask that you keep slide 12, if possible, encouraging interested business leaders to contact us.
If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Connor-Naylor at

2. Data for a
Strong Economy:
Securing an Accurate
2020 U.S. Census

3. Census Basics
A count of the population every 10 years is mandated by the Constitution. Includes all residents in the U.S., regardless of age, citizenship status, etc.
The next begins on April 1, 2020.
In modern era, the decennial census system includes:
Short, basic survey of all residents every 10 years;
A longer survey sent to a smaller percentage of residents that provides more detailed annual data.

4. Business Relies on the Census
Offers detailed economic and demographic data to assess potential employees, customers, products and markets:
Customers (income, age, family size, location)
Workforce skills (education)
Transportation (commuting, cost)
Example: Helps retail companies identify where to locate new stores and what products to offer on their shelves.
Sources:
News Article: Scott McDonald, A 2020 Census Flop Would Pose A Danger To U.S. Business, Dec 6, 2017 Forbes.com (
Event Video: AEI event: Making the 2020 census succeed (

5. Billions of Dollars in Economic Activity at Stake
Due to its size, the decennial census is used to develop and test the accuracy of commercial databases, private market analysis and important demographic and economic data created by the government.
The national unemployment rate
Interest rates
Inflation rates
Exports
The Consumer Price Index
Housing sales
Construction figures
Entrepreneurship
An inaccurate count will impact calculations and/or decisions about:
Sources:
Report: In Order That They Might Rest Their Arguments on Facts”: The Vital Role of Government-Collected Data (AEI and The Hamilton Project, March 2017) (
Report: Why a Fair and Accurate Census Matters to Thriving Private and Public Sectors (The Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality, The Leadership Conference Fund) (
Event Video: AEI event: Making the 2020 census succeed (

6. Efficient Government Relies on the Census
Ensures public dollars are effectively distributed to the appropriate people and communities:
Roughly $800 billion from 300 federal programs including education and workforce development resources
For example, $38 billion from the Highway Planning and Construction Program
Properly allocate voter representation
An estimated 16 states could lose or gain up to three Congressional seats based on the 2020 count 
Sources:
Data for a Strong Economy: Securing an accurate 2020 U.S. Census is essential for business (
Election Data Service, Some Change in Apportionment Allocations With New 2017 Census Estimates; But Greater Change Likely by 2020 (

7. Threats to a Complete 2020 Count
Bureau is preparing for first tech-based census, implementing an online form and mobile data collection tools.
However, the Census received less funding between 2012 and 2017 than requested by the Administration.
The Census Bureau has been forced to cancel multiple regional tests, which help identify and solve problems.
Bureau is also facing delays or challenges:
Implementing proper security to protect data
Hiring local and regional staff due to low unemployment
Sources:
2020 CENSUS: Actions Needed to Address Challenges to Enumerating Hard-to-Count Groups GAO : Published: Jul 26, Publicly Released: Aug 27, (
2020 CENSUS: Continued Management Attention Needed to Address Challenges and Risks with Developing, Testing, and Securing IT Systems GAO : Published: Aug 30, Publicly Released: Aug 30, 2018 (

8. Adequate Federal Funding is Critical
Received adequate funding in FY18 federal budget, but the bureau is already behind due to years of underfunding
Resources proposed by the House and Senate in FY19 budget bills are a good start
Need to make final decisions to continue necessary preparations in 2019
Ensure adequate resources in 2020 budget

9. Additional Barriers to a Complete Count
The Census Bureau also faces historic barriers to counting specific populations including:
Young children
Rural households
Minority communities
Note: There are many reasons why each group can be difficult to enumerate including lack of understanding about the importance of the census, location, housing stability, and education, among many others. The specific factors leading to an undercount listed below for each population are only some of the many factors.
Rural households – Lack of access to internet in some regions and higher seasonal, migrant employment in rural areas may complicate a count in 2020.
Young children – Young children are the most undercounted population. There is no clear reason why children are undercounted, yet there are several factors that may contribute. Some children in lower-wage families may move rental apartments more frequently, and parents may not know they should include their young children on census forms. Children who are most likely not to be counted are kids of color, immigrants, and children in low-wage families. 25% of young kids also live in hard-to-count census tracts that present other barriers to enumeration.
Minority communities – Language barriers and a distrust of government can cause an undercount in addition to other issues pertaining to each racial/ethnic group. Location, income, and education can play a role as it does with other hard-to-count groups.
Sources:
2020 CENSUS: Actions Needed to Address Challenges to Enumerating Hard-to-Count Groups GAO : Published: Jul 26, Publicly Released: Aug 27, (
2020 Census Faces Challenges in Rural America, William O’Hare, University of Nee Hampshire, Carsey School of Public Policy (
2018 Kids Count Data Book -
FINAL REPORT National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic, and Other Populations Administrative Records, Internet, and Hard to Count Population Working Group (

10. Business Can Help!
Business can help encourage participation in the census, especially among hard to count groups, via:
Employee communications (Ex. Info in break rooms, newsletters, company intranet)
Customer communications (Ex. Store signs, grocery bags, utility bills)
Use of social media
Connect with local Complete Count Committee
To find out more about Complete Count Committees visit:

11. Business Can Help! Support adequate federal funding for the census:
Lend name to business sign-on letters
Lend name to op-eds/LTEs
Reach out directly to legislators by phone, , or in-person

12. Join the National Business Network for an Accurate Census:
Free, private listserv
No obligations, no commitment of time
Receive strategic opportunities by to lend name to activities that support adequate funding and help encourage employees and/or customers to participate in the census
Network staff will provide draft materials for review to minimize time to participate
Sponsored by ReadyNation - national, nonpartisan, nonprofit business membership organization est. in 2006
Learn more at strongnation.org/census
Overview of participation in the network:
Time-limited, ends in 2020
Membership is private, the list is never shared publicly
No dues to participate
No meetings, the network is virtual
No obligations: Members choose their level of participation on a case-by-case basis.  Members will be invited to lend their name to tactics such as business sign-on letters; earned media pieces (e.g., op-ed); and communications with Members of Congress (e.g., phone calls, s, meetings). Later, members will receive opportunities to help educate and encourage employees, customers and the general public to complete census forms.
Time to participate is minimal: Members agree to receive approximately 6-8 s per year, many of which are informational. Any request for action is at the member’s sole discretion and would be fully supported by our team to make the opportunity as streamlined as possible and minimizing the member's time if/when (s)he chooses to participate.