Once every decade, America takes a snapshot of all who live in our communities. It can seem like a quaint endeavor, but it’s one of the most important things you can do. I am writing to urge you to complete the census today, and to encourage your friends, neighbors, relatives ‒ and everyone else you know ‒ to fill out the census for their own households as well.  

Policymakers at every level rely on census data to decide which communities will get new schools, clinics and roads, and which need more services for families, seniors and children. Among other things, the census informs how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated ‒ to more than 100 programs including Medicaid and Head Start.  

Census results also determine the number of seats each state has in the US House of Representatives, and are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. That alone is reason to participate ‒ California and the Bay Area need to maintain strong congressional delegations to ensure our voices, which are diluted significantly in the Senate, are fully represented in the House.

For the first time, you have the option of completing the census online, by phone or by mail, in 13 different languages. Whatever works best!  

I can’t impress enough the importance of filling out the census for your household, and making sure that those around you - including individuals who may be undocumented - complete the census in a timely manner. Full information can be found on the Census 2020 website. You can also find information in Spanish and other languages, and answers to questions for undocumented friends. 

Please also beware of potential census-related scams. The Census Bureau will never ask you for your social security number, your bank account or credit card numbers, donations or anything on behalf of a political party. The best way to avoid scams is to click through, call or fill out and return your paper census form yourself, today!

Thank you in advance for taking the time ‒ no more than ten minutes ‒ to complete the census today.

• Sophie Hahn

Vice Mayor & District 5 Councilmember