We live in one of the fastest growing areas of our state and we see evidence of the growth each and every day. Recently, the U.S. Census Bureau released its national and state population estimates for year 2019. North Carolina ranked as the fourth fastest growing state, behind Texas, Florida, and Arizona. According to the Census Bureau’s estimates, between July 1, 2018 and July 1, 2019, North Carolina had a net increase in population of 106,469.
While the recent numbers are products of estimates, an actual count will occur beginning on April 1, called the 2020 U.S. Census. Since 1790, a census has been conducted every ten years in accordance with Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution and year 2020 is the next census year. Realizing all that was at stake, the Town of Fuquay-Varina decided to form a town-wide Complete Count Committee (CCC). The CCC is a committee of citizens, appointed by the Mayor, dedicated to building awareness of the importance of the 2020 census and seeking ways to ensure this decade’s census is complete and accurate.
Why is the census important for our community? Access to federal monies and obtaining fair distribution of political representation over the next decade is determined by the results of the census. According to the Census Bureau, the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to states and local communities is based on census data. This is money that has a direct impact on our schools, healthcare, roads, public works, veteran’s benefits, and other important programs. Fuquay-Varina is one of the fastest growing towns in the state, and with a constant influx of new people needing these services, an accurate count is crucial. Each person in our community uses products and services that are funded with federal dollars apportioned by the census whether they have been counted or not. This means if our community is undercounted, we are not receiving all of the funds that we’re not only entitled to but are also required to support our population.
In addition to distributing federal money, results of the census are used to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, North Carolina has 13 U.S. House Districts. Based on the Census Bureau’s 2019 population estimates, North Carolina is expected to be one of seven states to pick up an additional U.S. House District seat. With the explosive growth in Southern Wake County over the last decade, it is fair to hope that our communities will be the benefactors of a new congressional district, giving our area more representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In addition to reapportionment of U.S. House Districts, the census data is used at the state level for drawing boundaries of the North Carolina House of Representatives and North Carolina Senate seats. Currently, Wake County has 11 N.C. House Districts and 5 N.C. Senate Districts. As is the case for a new potential U.S. House district, as a result of our community’s rapid growth, we may see an increase in our N.C. House and N.C. Senate Districts also.
The 2019 Census Bureau’s estimates are just that, estimates. The 2020 census is an actual count that will have a direct impact on the future of our State’s and our community’s access to federal funds and potential increases in elected official representation at both the state and national levels. An accurate and complete count is critically important for our future.
There are several common misconceptions about the census. The U.S. Government is asking its citizens for personal information which some people may not be comfortable with. Rest assured, as we are required by law to complete the census, the Census Bureau is required by law to protect our information.
All census employees are sworn to a lifetime oath of secrecy. The Census Bureau and its employees are forbidden from sharing your information with anyone including the police, the Internal Revenue Service, Child Protective Services, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Even so, you should never give out personal information without first verifying that whoever is asking for it is legitimate. Census employees will always carry an official U.S. Census Bureau badge, which should be on display for review. The census and census employees will never ask for your bank account information, your citizenship status, your social security number, a donation, or information on your political party. U.S. Code, Title 13, makes it very clear what collected census data can be used for and that is only statistical purposes.
There are a variety of factors that will affect the accuracy and completeness of the 2020 census. Two of the most important factors are how well the count is conducted and how well the population of our communities respond. These are two factors that we can control.
First, we all need to respond and be counted. Responding by paper or phone is an option as always, but this year, the opportunity to respond online will make the census easier than ever. You should be expecting (or may have already received) instructions on how to complete the census, sent to you in the mail.
Second, make sure you tell your neighbors, family members and co-workers how important the 2020 census is for our community. The best means for getting the message out is for each of us to spread the word and build an awareness among all in our community. Together, we can ensure that Fuquay-Varina remains A Dash More!
Complete the census on or after April 1, 2020. For more information, please go to
www.census.gov.
