[Updated] Census Board Action Request: Financial Assistance to Cities for Complete Count Efforts

[Update on January 29, 2020]

On January 28, 2020, the Hennepin County Board voted and denied this request for financial assistance to cities to assist in their complete count efforts. The final vote was 5-2, with myself and Commissioner Conley voting in favor.

I am passionate about the Census because it is the most important and inclusive civic activity of the decade. An accurate count is the most cost-effective and efficient way to increase revenue and better serve residents. On December 12, 2019 I was designated as Chair of Hennepin County’s Complete Count Committee, and I’m dedicated to working with our cities and complete count partners to achieve a complete count with the resources we have.

[Original statement on January 24, 2020]

The 2020 Census is the most important civic activity of the decade, and will determine how $675 billion of federal funds is appropriated to states, counties, and communities annually—more people means more federal money to support residents—money spent on housing, roads, hospitals, public safety, social services, environment, transit, and other vital programs that fall within the mission of counties.

In the first few weeks of 2020, a few Hennepin cities have expressed a need for financial assistance in order to ensure a complete count, having identified their Hard To Count populations. With this need in mind, I testified before the MN House Elections Subcommittee on Wednesday 1/22 and requested they increase statewide Census funding to $1 per person, which would be $5.6 million and an increase of $4 million. Until then, I do believe it is important and economically advantageous for Hennepin to act and assist our cities when requested.

For each person we count, the state of Minnesota receives approximately $28,000 in funding over the next decade. Even if we assume that this $150,000 will assist in counting just 1,000 additional people—the return on investment is still $186 to $1. As such, it is our responsibility to ensure an accurate count because it is the most efficient, cost-effective, and inclusive way to increase revenue and serve residents.

On Tuesday 1/28, I will be offering a Board Action Request (BAR) for discussion within the Administration, Library, and Budgets Committee that allocates financial support available to Hennepin cities to assist in their Census efforts. The BAR seeks to release $150,000 from contingency funds, for the purpose of financially assisting cities as we collectively work toward a complete count in Hennepin. Eligible cities will need to demonstrate that their Census activities are consistent with Hennepin’s efforts and strategies, and if awarded, these one-time funds will not exceed $25,000 per city. Full language of the BAR can be found here. The Committee is scheduled to vote on the measure Tuesday, and the earliest date this action can receive final approval is on Tuesday 2/4 during the full board meeting.

If this BAR passes, cities participating in Hennepin’s Complete Count Committee will be eligible to apply for financial assistance to be used specifically towards 2020 Census efforts.