Outside of voting, one of the most powerful things a resident can accomplish for the community is to participate in the census.

Less than one year away from the start of the U.S. 2020 census, the Census Bureau is already emphasizing the need to count every person.

Census Bureau Director Dr. Steven Dillingham said in a prepared press statement that “we know that the 2020 Census is important to every community. Census data guides how federal, state and local funding for critical services, such as schools, fire departments and health care facilities, is distributed.

“Data literally shape the future of your community.”

The size of the state’s congressional delegation is determined by the census. Businesses use census date to decide where to open facilities and the type of services and products to provide. Developers use census data to build new homes and revitalize older neighborhoods.

The first enumeration of the 2020 Census officially begins Jan. 21 in Toksook Bay, Alaska.

In March 2020, the Census Bureau will mail invitations to respond to nearly every household in the country.

All households will have the option to respond to the census online, over the telephone and by mail.