March 27, 2020
For immediate release

 2020 Census under way, City Commissioners emphasize importance of participation

Once a decade the federal government requires a census be conducted to obtain a complete count of every person living in the United States. The 2020 Census is now under way and has both national and local implications.

The census count provides the basis for determining the number of representatives each state has in Congress and informs the redrawing of congressional district boundaries. In addition, the count also influences the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to states, counties, and communities to support resources such as schools, hospitals, and fire departments.

“The Board of Commissioners is encouraging the participation of all residents, including renters and property owners,” said Johnson City Mayor Jenny Brock. “Each year the Tennessee Department of Revenue shares certain state taxes with the City of Johnson City based on population. This means the higher the population count for the City of Johnson City, the more money the City receives.”

While Johnson City’s current self-response rate of 26.9 percent is in line with the national average, the Johnson City Board of Commissioners is encouraging all residents to answer the short questionnaire available at www.my2020census.gov. The census can also be completed by phone or by mail.

“It will take less than 10 minutes,” Brock said.  “I encourage everyone, as they are responding to our call to stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, to log in, call in or mail in your survey. Please, BE COUNTED and ensure Johnson City receives its appropriate share of federal funds and congressional and state representation.”

In the 2010 Census, 82 percent of City residents participated and were counted.

“The census bureau estimates that for every person who does not get counted in the census that the City of Johnson City loses at least $1,100 each year,” Brock said. “When you do the math on the 18 percent who weren’t counted last time around you see just how important an accurate count is. That would be more than $13 million lost each year from this census.”

More information about the 2020 Census and why an accurate count is important to the City of Johnson City is available at www.johnsoncitynt.org/census2020.

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