The U.S. Census Bureau has announced another shift in census operations due to COVID-19. CMF reported in March that the bureau was pausing field operations due to COVID-19. The bureau now shares they are taking active steps to resume field operations as early as June 1.

The current delay has shifted the timeline for Census 2020 as follows:

• The self-response deadline has been extended from July 31 to October 31.

• In-person follow up to those who haven’t responded to the census will now take place August 11 – October 31.

• Apportionment counts are expected to be delivered to the president by April 30, 2021 and redistricting data to be delivered to the states no later than July 31, 2021.

Michigan’s self-response rate is among the highest in the nation at 56.5% with 48.6% of responses submitted online.

You can view self-response rates by city and county. Recent examples include:

• Detroit, 40%

• Grand Rapids, 54.4%

• Flint, 40%

• Kalamazoo, 49%

• Midland, 66%

• Sault Ste. Marie, 48%

The Nonprofits Complete Count Campaign (NPCCC), led by the Michigan Nonprofit Association, shared this statement with CMF:

“Protecting the health of communities by maintaining physical distancing is critical and we support the Census Bureau’s plan to delay the start of field operations. We are analyzing these changes and what they mean for our campaign. In the wake of COVID-19, we will continue to use innovative strategies - including deploying digital organizing tools and working with essential businesses to further our outreach, education and training on participation in the 2020 Census.”

Want more?

CMF encourages you to promote census participation on your own social media channels. The bureau provides downloadable social media graphics and language you can use to encourage your family, friends and colleagues to respond to the census.

Connect with the latest from the NPCCC. You can see what’s emerging from regional census hubs and receive blogs.  

Stay connected with updates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Go online now to fill out your census form today! You also have the option of completing the questionnaire by phone. To begin, call 844-330-2020. English and Spanish phone lines are open every day from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.