As part of the City Council’s efforts to get a complete count in the upcoming 2020 Census, Council Speaker Corey Johnson announced an early allocation of $4 million in this year’s budget to fund 17 community-based organizations. The money will go toward providing support in planning for the census, especially in hard-to-count communities. This is part of the overall $14 million the Council is dedicating to ensure every New Yorker gets counted. The self-response rate for the 2010 Census in New York City was more than 10 points below the national average. Acting as city-wide partners, the groups receiving this first allocation of funds will be able to offer training, messaging development, focus group coordination, and other planning and capacity-building resources to lay the groundwork for get-out-the-count efforts in 2020, especially in hard-to-count communities.
“The Census is our chance to tap into the awe-inspiring power of New York City communities, to make sure that every New Yorker shapes our city – for a complete count, and beyond. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and make the most of this epic endeavor,” said Betsy MacLean, Executive Director of Hester Street.
Read the New York City Council press release here.
