HOAs Encourage Responses to the 2020 Census
According to the Census Bureau, roughly 64% of U.S. households have responded to the 2020 census as of August 14, 2020. As the agency follows up with nonrespondents until September 30, homeowners associations can play an important role by allowing access to census takers to count all residents.
How the Census Worked During the Pandemic
Census takers went door to door to collect responses in mid-July. They wore protective gear, practiced social distancing, and followed public health guidelines to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Board members and community managers should encourage residents to fill out the 2020 census questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail to reduce the likelihood of in-person follow-up.
Associations must allow census takers access to their gated community or condominium to avoid fines. Field workers will have a valid identification badge and may carry bags and other items with the Census Bureau's logo visible. If no one is home, the census taker will leave information about how to respond to the census or leave a paper questionnaire in a water-resistant bag.
Why is the Census Data Important for your HOA?
Data collected in the 2020 census will drive decision-making, political representation, and economic development across the U.S. The results give a detailed statistical view of the country's demographic makeup. They are used to determine the changing needs of communities, making it paramount to achieve each household's accurate count.
Real estate developers and policy makers use census data to base their decisions on developing land and building their cities. However, if this data is inaccurate, it will cause poor decision-making for the population that lives there.
Census data can also be used by community associations to decide whether to build or expand amenities and understand residents' demographic makeup. Successful social events create a sense of community, and the census helps us get right to that community spirit.
Contact Us
Condominium Associates is here to help your community get the census results to get more accurate data and create a stronger sense of security and friendliness. Contact us today with questions!
Find information on how to respond to the 2020 census, why answers matter, privacy, and security by visiting www.2020census.gov.