Viewpoint Column by Doug McKinney, NCRPC Executive Director

The U.S. Census provides vital information about our nation and about the people who live, work and utilize the resources herein.

The 2020 Census will count all residents once and in their accurate locales. It is used to determine the seats Kansas can have in the U.S. House of Representatives, how our state legislative districts are drawn and the important appropriation of Federal funding.

Image courtesy of U.S. Census Bureau

There are several ways to be counted. For the first time, in 2020 the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online. Responding by mail, by telephone, and by meeting with a local Census representative will also be options. A postcard is to be provided to every household. From there the choice to securely complete the process is easy. Also for the first time, the Census will be available in 13 languages spoken in Kansas and it will be in a large print and braille form.

I am willing to talk with any local official about the process and how much the Census matters to their towns. More information, including personalized profiles for cities to help tell the story of how population data affects their local community, is also available at kansascounts.org.

Another important opportunity for your input is with the Kansas Governor’s office and the Kansas Department of Commerce Framework for Growth. In late October, an official forum for North Central Kansas was held in Russell with about 40 persons engaged in providing solid and unique approaches to a comprehensive growth strategy. Let’s face it. Kansas is behind in attracting new residents, in promoting the state and in workforce development. Not since 1986 has there been a solid strategy for development in the Sunflower State. Your input is encouraged at kansasgrowth.com.

This article appeared in the November 2019 NCRPC Newsletter.