ARLINGTON AND THE 2020 CENSUS The Town is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to support the 2020 Census. As a partner, we will be working to make sure our community is accurately represented in the upcoming decennial count. WHAT IS THE 2020 CENSUS? The census counts everyone in the United States. Census results are the basis for congressional representation and help determine how federal funding is distributed each year. According to the GW Institute of Public Policy’s “Counting for Dollars” study, Massachusetts has received approximately $22.8 billion dollars of funding each year for the past decade as a result of the 2010 Census count. This money supports vital programs that shape local health care, housing, education, transportation, employment, and public policy. WHEN CAN I TAKE THE 2020 CENSUS? The Census Bureau will be sending invitations to all households in March. You are encouraged to respond between March and the end of April. From May through July, census workers will be Arlington neighborhoods to visit the homes of people who have not yet responded to help them respond in person. All responses must be collected by August. HOW DO I TAKE THE 2020 CENSUS? You will receive an invitation from the Census Bureau to respond to the 2020 Census. You can respond online or over the phone. If you prefer to respond in a language other than English, you can respond in one of 12 other languages. WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE 2020 CENSUS? As the 2020 Census approaches, the Town will continue to share information about how you can make sure our community is fully represented. Sign up for Arlington Town Notices at https://www.arlingtonma.gov/communications- center/email-subscription-lists to receive local census news. For more information, visit 2020CENSUS.GOV or call Kelly Lynema, Senior Planner and Coordinator of the Town’s Complete Count Working Group at 781-316-3096. For more information: 2020CENSUS.GOV HOW IS THE 2020 CENSUS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER SURVEYS? The federal census is sometimes confused with other government surveys. Below is a brief overview of how it and other surveys are administered and how collected data is used. You are encouraged to respond to each of these surveys.  Federal Census or Decennial Census The federal census is conducted once every 10 years to provide an official count of the entire U.S. population and its five territories to congress. The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The census determines the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives, is used to draw congressional and state legislative districts, and determines how federal funding is allocated.  American Community Survey (ACS) The ACS is a longer socioeconomic survey distributed every year, throughout the year, to a small percentage of the population—about 1 in 38 U.S. households. Responses to the ACS provide up-to-date information about the needs of your community, from our education, housing, jobs and more. Results may be used to make a number of important decisions, such as where new schools, hospitals, and emergency services are needed. If your household was selected for the ACS, you must complete it in addition to the 2020 Census.  Arlington Town or Local Census The town’s local census is required by Massachusetts State Law, and is mailed to all Arlington residents in January of each year. Information from the annual town census is added to the Commonwealth’s Voter Registration Information System in order to maintain accurate voting records. Your participation helps the Town maintain its records, helps the School Department make more accurate class projections and better budgeting, and keeps your voting registration active. For more information: 2020CENSUS.GOV