News from the GCVCC – Source Data United State Department of Commerce/2020 Census

Coachella Valley, CA: The 36th CA Congressional District, which includes the Coachella Valley, had a lower response rate than California as a whole during the 2010 Census.  This is significant, as it potentially limits our districts ability to access vital government funding and increase representation in government.

Importance of the Data

The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade.

The 2020 Census will provide a snapshot of our nation—who we are, where we live, and so much more.

The results of this once-a-decade count determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. They are also used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

Over the next decade, lawmakers, business owners, and many others will use 2020 Census data to make critical decisions. The results will show where communities need new schools, new clinics, new roads, and more services for families, older adults, and children.

The results will also inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated to more than 100 programs, including Medicaid, Head Start, block grants for community mental health services, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.

Redistricting

The U.S. Constitution mandates that the country count its population once every 10 years. The results are used to adjust or redraw electoral districts, based on where populations have increased or decreased.

State legislatures or independent bipartisan commissions are responsible for redrawing congressional districts. The U.S. Census Bureau provides states with population counts for this purpose.

Federal Funding

The results of the 2020 Census will inform decisions about allocating hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding to communities across the country—for hospitals, fire departments, school lunch programs, and other critical programs and services.

Business Decisions

The 2020 Census will be valuable to businesses, as the results will provide a rich set of data on the communities they serve, including population trends and growth projections.

Business owners rely on census results to make decisions, such as where to open new stores, restaurants, factories, or offices, where to expand operations, where to recruit employees, and which products and services to offer.

How Can I Make a Difference

Many organizations, from non-profits to city government, will be organizing “Complete Count” committees and other efforts to ensure as many local residents as possible are counted. You can contact your local elected representative (City or County) for more information on local efforts.  You can also contact the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce office, or visit the 2020 Census online for more information.