This year, 2020, is a federal census year. Everyone in the nation will be counted, based on where they are living on April 1.
The census takes place every 10 years, as mandated in the U.S. Constitution. An accurate count is crucial for states when it comes to funding and representation in Congress. That is why Colorado State University and Larimer County are working hard to encourage students to report their Fort Collins address as their residence. The census report is based on your address as of April 1, 2020, so even students living on campus need to report the residence hall as their address.
Nik Olsen, assistant director for administrative communications for CSU, explained that what many people don’t realize is that participating in the census is important because so many things are determined by how the population is distributed. He said that everything from funding for transportation to where fire stations are located is dependent on the census numbers.
First time to respond
Many CSU students may not even realize the census is happening this year and for many, it is probably the first time they themselves are completing the questionnaire. When students don’t report or report incorrectly, without realizing it, they are negatively impacting the Fort Collins community. For example, the Campus West area had one of the least accurate counts in the nation in the 1990 census. This is an area that the state of Colorado and City of Fort Collins will target to receive a more accurate count this year.
Federal and state funding for education, including Pell grants, is just one of the items affected by the census count. This is why it is key for students as well as faculty and staff to accurately report where they live as the census does affect us all on campus.
With all the development that has taken place in Larimer County over the past decade – the number of housing units has more than doubled, from 78,000 in 1990 to 152,000 in 2018, according to the state demographer – how do census takers know where to put their counting efforts? Olsen explained that the city of Fort Collins uses aerial photographs from 2010 and current shots to compare where new buildings and developments have gone up.
A great way to encourage students to complete the census is by simply educating them, Olsen said. Watch for more communication from the administration this month.
As Olsen explained, this is a great way to give back and support the community where we reside. We all benefit from what the numbers provide, so, it is key that we all do our part when the time comes.
For questions on the census or how to respond go to 2020census.gov; to see how the state of Colorado uses the numbers the census provides, go to demography.dola.colorado.gov.
