Cities need to prepare for the 2020 Census now

Although 2020 is still more than two years away, now is the time for cities to prepare for the next U.S. Census, which will help the federal government determine who to spend more than $400 billion annually for infrastructure, programs, and services. And one of the best ways for city leaders to do so is through the Local Update of Census Address (LUCA), which allows cities to review and reconcile the Census Bureau’s residential address list.

Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded Cities of Service, which has launched a campaign to remind cities of the December 2017 deadline to register for LUCA, says the program and process is critically important for cities to ensure their residents are accurately represented. “It’s how cities can ensure the Bureau’s data are correct, so they can get the most support possible to provide services to their citizens,” said Cities of Service Deputy Director Mauricio Garcia.

Cities that register for LUCA by the December deadline will, in February 2018, receive access to the Bureau’s address list and then will have 120 days to provide feedback to that list. “LUCA allows cities to make addresses more reflective of what’s out there in a small window of time,” added Garcia. “We want to make sure to get all that information.”

Find more information and webinar recording about LUCA and there registration process here.