Census 2020 - Mayor Earl V. Johnson
Date: 2020-04-16 Type: Special Meeting
Quick Summary
Mayor Earl V. Johnson addressed the start of the 2020 census and urged residents to complete their census forms to help correct known local undercounts. He explained that census data drive federal funding allocations and business decisions, noted privacy protections and the 72-year sealing of responses, and encouraged online or mail completion to achieve 100% participation.
Notable Discussion
- The U.S. Constitution requires a count every 10 years; census results determine distribution of federal funds and influence business location decisions.
- Mayor Johnson stated the census helps allocate roughly $13 billion in federal funds and that Alabama receives about $1,500 per person in federal funding (as cited).
- Based on the 2010 count, Andalusia’s population was cited as 9,015, just under the 10,000 threshold; the Census Bureau identified areas of undercount in Andalusia and Covington County.
- The mayor emphasized privacy: Census Bureau responses are protected by law and sealed for 72 years.
- Mayor Johnson urged 100% participation, noting the census form takes about six minutes and can be completed by mail or online at census.gov, especially important during social distancing.
Action Items
- Encourage residents to complete the 2020 census form mailed to their home or complete it online at census.gov.
- Aim for 100% participation from Andalusia households to address undercounts.