What's Happening?
Aurora has launched a special census targeting recently developed areas to rectify an undercount from the 2020 census, which has resulted in a loss of over $4.3 million annually in shared tax revenue. The special census, announced by city officials, aims
to provide an accurate population count to restore critical federal funding and better plan for future growth. Residents in designated areas will receive instructions to complete the census online from July 23 to August 24, with field workers following up on non-responses. The initiative was delayed from its original 2025 start due to concerns over federal government interactions and changes in federal leadership. The census data is legally protected and will not include citizenship questions.
Why It's Important?
The special census is crucial for Aurora as it seeks to recover significant financial resources lost due to the 2020 census undercount. Accurate population data is essential for securing federal appropriations and planning municipal services and infrastructure. The undercount has impacted the city's budget, affecting public services and operations. By including new developments in the population count, Aurora hopes to close the funding gap and ensure fair representation in federal resource allocation. This effort reflects broader challenges cities face in maintaining accurate demographic data amidst changing federal policies and local development.
What's Next?
Following the online census period, the U.S. Census Bureau will deploy field workers to collect data from households that did not respond online. Aurora plans to assist residents with the census process through events at the Aurora Public Library District and a door-knocking campaign. The city aims to complete the census efficiently to update its population data and secure necessary funding. The outcome of this census could influence future city planning and resource distribution, setting a precedent for other municipalities facing similar challenges.
