With billions of dollars in federal funding being apportioned each year based on decennial census results, an accurate, complete count is crucial to local governments and their communities. These funds help build hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other critical resources.

In an effort to help slow the spread of coronavirus and keep employees and the American public safe, the Census Bureau suspended field operations for two weeks (until April 1, 2020) and extended the deadline to respond to the 2020 Census until August 14.

The Census Bureau has a $2 million contingency budget, which has been tapped in order get its message out. The bureau will continue to evaluate all 2020 Census operations to determine if any further adjustments need to be made.

The public is encouraged to respond to the 2020 Census online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and can also respond by phone or mail. The U.S. Census Bureau has created tailored videos and language guides for completing the census online.

In late May, census takers around the nation will begin visiting households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census to help complete the count.

This flyer details a timeline of the next steps as Census 2020 operations move forward.