HomeMy WebLinkAbout20. Adopt Reso Expressing Support for the 2020 U.S. Censusly-1111111II&I
APPROVED BY
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY MANAGER
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Every 10 years, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the federal government
undertakes a census of the U.S. population to determine the allocation of seats held by
each state in the House of Representatives. The next federal census will begin on April
1,20 20.
In addition to determining federal representation, the census is used to distribute f -r-
• •
deding to states and local governments. In California, more than 70 federal programs
that benefit our residents use the Census data and population counts as part of their
funding formulas, including the Community Development Block Grant Program, as well
as funding for roads, school programs and lunches, children's health insurance, Head
Stat and foster care. The census data is also used to redraw federal and state
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For these reasons, a complete and accurate census count is essential to the well-being
of our state and all Californians. The California Census Office held a kick-off event on
April 2, 2019 at the State Capitol in Sacramento to jump-start the public awareness oi
the 2020 Census and have requested for the League of California Cities to encourage
its members to adopt a resolution recognizing the importance of the 2120 U.S. Census.
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY EXPRESSING
SUPPORT FOR THE 2020 U.S. CENSUS
WHEREAS, the U.S. Census Bureau is required by Article I, Section 2 of the U.S.
Constitution to conduct an accurate count of the population every ten years; and
WHEREAS, the next enumeration will be April 1, 2020 and will be the first to rely heavily
on online responses; and
WHEREAS, the primary and perpetual challenge facing the U.S. Census Bureau is the
undercount of certain population groups; and
WHEREAS, that challenge is amplified in California, given the size of the state and the
diversity of communities; and
WHEREAS, California has a large percentage of individuals= that are considered
traditionally hard to count; and
WHEREAS, these diverse communities and demographic populations are at risk of
being missed in the 2020 Census; and
WHEREAS, California receives nearly $77 billion in federal funding that relies, in part, on
census data; and
WHEREAS, a complete and accurate count of California's population is essential; and
WHEREAS, the data collected by the decennial Census determines the number of seats
each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and is used to distribute billions of dollars
in federal funds to state and local governments; and
WHEREAS, the data is also used in the redistricting of state legislatures, county boards
of supervisors and city councils; and
WHEREAS, the decennial census is a massive undertaking that requires cross -sector
collaboration and partnership in order to achieve a complete and accurate count; and
WHEREAS, California's leaders have dedicated a historic amount of funding and
resources to ensure every Californian is counted once, only once and in the right place; and
WHEREAS, this includes coordination between tribal, city, county, state governments,
community-based organizations, education, and many more; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Census Bureau is facing several challenges with Census 2020,
including constrained fiscal environment, rapidly changing use of technology, declining
response rates, increasingly diverse and mobile population, thus support from partners and
stakeholders is critical; and
WHEREAS, California is kicking -off its outreach and engagement efforts in April 2019 for
the 2020 Census; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Downey, in partnership with other local governments, the State,
businesses, schools, and community organizations, is committed to robust outreach and
communication strategies, focusing on reaching the hardest -to -count individuals.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES
HEREBY
•'i AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I . The above recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Downey does hereby support the 2020
Census.
SECTION 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption,
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MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of
the City of Downey at a Regular Meeting held on the 23rd day of April, 2019, by the following
vote, to wit:
AYES:
Council Members: Ashton, Frometa, Pacheco, Saab, Mayor Rodriguez
NOES:
Council Member: None.
ABSENT:
Council Member: None.
ABSTAIN:
Council Member: None.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk