Census 2020

The Village of Oak Park is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to spread the word about the 2020 Census to help achieve a complete and accurate count of the U.S. – and Oak Park – population.

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The U.S. Census Bureau has updated its 2020 Census timeline in response to the COVID-19 emergency.

Click here to see the updated timeline

Click here for Census operational adjustments related to COVID-19

Why the Census is important

The census is a count of every person who lives in the United States and its territories. It happens every 10 years. In early 2020, all residents will be asked to count everyone who lives in their home as of April 1.

Getting a complete count in 2020 requires everyone’s help. Individuals, businesses, community organizations and other organizations have a role to play in making sure Oak Park is accurately counted when the federal government determines how to distribute more than $675 billion annually for new roads, hospitals, housing, schools and other important projects.

The Village of Oak Park will be doing its part to maximize participation by all residents. This includes leading a local Complete Count Committee made up of community stakeholders who can help raise awareness about the importance of the census, particularly with historically undercounted populations such as renters, families with young children and immigrants.

Census 101: What You Need to Know

Oak Park Complete Count Committee

A Complete Count Committee (CCC) is a volunteer group that state and local governments and community leaders establish to increase awareness about the Census and motivate residents to respond to the census questionnaire.

Complete Count Committee's play a key role in ensuring the 2020 Census counts everyone. Residents are more likely to take part in the census if they learn and understand the importance of it and the process for getting counted.

Requests for more information on the Oak Park Complete Count Committee may be directed to 2020Census@oak-park.us or by calling 708.358.5410.

Upcoming meetings:

The Oak Park Complete Count Committee will convene for monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month leading up to Census Day on April 1, 2020.

All meetings will take place at 8:30 a.m. in Room 101 at Village Hall, 123 Madison St..

Meetings will be held on the following dates:

November 13 at Village Hall
December 11 at Village Hall
January 15 at Village Hall
February 12 at Village Hall
March 11 at Village Hall (Room 201)
June 10 - Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m.

Helpful resources:

Links to Oak Park census partner content:

Oak Park Library census webpage

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Oak Park Complete Count Committee Updates

Oct. 21, 2019 - Complete Count Committee stakeholders will meet from 8:30 to 9:39 a.m. on Nov. 13 at Village Hall. After an opening Complete Count Committee update, committee members will break into sub-groups to strategize and advocate for the best way to reach the Village's hard to count groups. New Census posters will also be distributed at the meeting.

Oct. 2, 2019 - More than 60 stakeholders attended the Census 2020 kick-off event Oct. 2 at Village Hall. The event, organized by the Village's Development Customer Services Department, included a presentation by a representative of the Census Bureau and group discussions about resources available to help stakeholders make sure Oak Park’s population is accurately reflected in the count. Additional Complete County Committee meetings will be scheduled as needed.

Sept. 20, 2019 - Invitations have been sent to stakeholders for the Oct. 2 local kick-off of the Census 2020 effort to maximize the count. The meeting of the Complete Count Committee is set for 8:30 a.m., Wed., Oct. 2 at Village Hall. A representative of the U.S. Census Bureau will discuss how local stakeholders can help ensure the most successful and accurate community population count. Prospective attendees are asked to RSVP to housing@oak-park.us.

What’s new with the Census in 2020?

There are some key changes to the process for the 2020 Census. For instance, the internet will be the primary response option for the first time.

While a paper form will still be available, individuals will be able to complete the 2020 Census form online, or by phone or mail. Complete Count Committees will play a critical role in educating residents about these and other key changes to the Census.

Helpful resources:

Local Census help available

Residents who need assistance completing the 2020 Census questionnaire or who want to respond online but lack internet access, have several local locations where computers and personnel can help during regular business hours:

Oak Park Regional Housing Center, 1041 South Blvd.
Oak Park Residence Corporation, 21 South Blvd.
West Cook YMCA, 255 S. Marion St.

Questions about the Census can also be texted to 987987. Representatives with the Illinois Department of Human Reources are standing by to provide answers. Standard message and data rates apply.

Click here for Census 2020 text message initiative flyer

What to Expect - Self-Response Resources

Social media content

Social media is a great way to reach audiences and share helpful information about the 2020 Census. The U.S. Census Bureau has created a number of sample posts to use on social media channels:

Census confidentiality

Responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Your answers can only be used to produce statistics—they cannot be used against you in any way.

By law, all responses to U.S. Census Bureau household and business surveys are kept completely confidential.

Helpful resources:

Census jobs

The 2020 Census is hiring in Oak Park!

As a Census Enumerator (or Census Taker), you will ensure everyone in our community is counted. An accurate count ensures that the Oak Park receives its share of federal funding and accurate representation in congress.

Pay rates are competitive, and can be found on the Census website. The Census offers a flexible work schedule - you can be a Census taker even if you are retired or work full time. Travel and training are compensated, and you work in and around Oak Park.

Apply online at www.2020census.gov/jobs. If you’re unsure about joining the Census team, you should still submit an application - the Census will contact you when enumerators are needed.

Resources for businesses

The once-a-decade population count provides rich data on communities, including trends in the population, projections of growth, and information on demographics. These data are valuable to businesses—they help inform better decision-making regarding business expansions, closures, hiring strategies, and other business practices to decrease perceived risks and increase return on investments.

Join us to spread the word about the importance of the 2020 Census and help ensure a complete and accurate count.

Helpful resources:

Resources for community organizations

The once-a-decade population count affects your representation in government, determines how much funding your community receives, and provides data to help you plan for the future.

Join us to spread the word about the importance of the 2020 Census and help ensure a complete and accurate count.

Helpful resources:

Resources for counting young children

Newborn babies and young children under five are often missed in the census. Young children who are missed tend to live with large, extended families or with multiple families living under one roof.

It is important to remember that everyone living in a household, temporarily or permanently, relative or friend, needs to be included in the 2020 Census.

Helpful resources:

Resources for counting renters

Every 10 years, the United States counts everyone living in the country on April 1, regardless of their nationality or living situation. This includes renters.

By participating in the census, renters can help create a better future for Oak Park and the next generation by providing an up-to-date count of our population.

Property managers are also critical to the success of the 2020 Census. In addition to being a trusted voice among tenants, property managers can share information about the Census with tenants and make sure census takers have access to properties to help complete their form if they haven’t already done so.

Helpful resources:

Resources for faith communities

The U.S. Census Bureau partners with the faith community to get the word out about the importance of the count. Faith leaders are trusted voices in their communities who know how to reach their congregation and members; hard-to-count families, individuals and children; other national and local leaders; and key stakeholders.

Join us to help inpsire your community to support a complete and accurate count.

Helpful resources:

Resources for schools

The once-a-decade population count serves as the basis for distributing federal assistance to schools and educational institutions, including Title I aid, the National School Lunch Program, and special education grants to states.

Join us to spread the word about the importance of the 2020 Census and help ensure that your students, educators, and community members receive the resources they need.

Helpful resources:

Additional resources

Additional documents:

Helpful links:

Click to enlarge and download the Census 101 factsheet

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Census 2020

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