Title
2020 Census Pikes Peak Area Complete Count Committee
Presenter:
John Suthers, Mayor of Colorado Springs
Merv Bennett, Chair of the PPACCC
Eric Phillips, Co-Chair of the PPACCC
Body
Summary:
An overview of the ongoing work of the 2020 Census Pikes Peak Area Complete Count Committee.
Background:
Once a decade, America comes together to count every resident in the United States, creating national awareness of the importance of the census and its valuable statistics. The decennial census was first taken in 1790, as mandated by the Constitution. It counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs - impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy.
In 2020 you can respond to the census on-line (using a computer or a smartphone), over the telephone, or by submitting a paper form. Early in 2020 all census addresses will receive a card inviting the residents to complete the census. The 2020 census will provide people with a URL so they can complete the census online, a toll-free telephone number if they want to call in their responses, and an address to request a paper form.
The Pikes Peak Area Complete Count Committee, comprised of members from El Paso and Teller County, is working closely with our local U.S. Census Partnership Specialists and the Colorado Complete Count Committee to educate the public on the importance of completing the census document. The census matters and it will take a unified effort to ensure our residents are counted.
All data collected through the census is protected under Title 13 of the U.S. Code. Records are confidential for 72 years by law. All U.S. Census Bureau employees swear a lifetime oath to protect respondent information. The U.S. Census Bureau will never share a respondent’s personal information with other government agencies. Data is only released in summary tables, no individual records are released. In fact, all U.S. Census Bureau employees swear a lifetime oath to protect respondent information. The penalty for wrongful disclosure is up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000.
Previous Council Action:
The City Clerk and Pikes Peak Area Complete Count Committee Chair provided information to the City Council on two occasions last year.
Financial Implications:
The Pikes Peak Area Complete Count Committee is organized and managed through the City Clerk’s Office using existing office funds. The City Communications team is managing the website and we will use Office Services for most our printing needs. There is no line item for 2020 census work in the 2019 or the 2020 City budget. All committee members will also be using their own funding streams for outreach efforts. The State of Colorado Complete Count Committee, through the Department of Local Affairs, has made available grant funds and additional resources for census outreach efforts.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The Pikes Peak Area Complete Count Committee members and our partners represent a wide variety of entities across El Paso and Teller Counties.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
N/A
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A