Kankakee, IL – According to the United States Census Bureau, as of today, more than 90 million households have responded to the 2020 Census. Majority favor responding online at www.2020census.gov, a new feature for the census which is a mandated count of the population that takes place every 10 years. Responding to the census can be done in one of three ways: by mail, phone or online.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted their operations and deadlines. Census takers have been trained on social distancing protocols and will be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE). Starting in mid-July through October 31st, census takers will begin to visit households who have not responded and will encourage those to self-report.

“Every person in our community matters. And we want to make sure we have a complete and accurate count as this will determine funding for our community for the next decade. Residents often ask me how they can make a difference in our city.  Responding to the 2020 census will have an impact on the funding our community needs to address our children’s education, infrastructure and emergency services. In just minutes, residents can literally make a difference for generations and years to come,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong. 

Kankakee’s Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA) is also continuing their operations to help the community respond and will be present at upcoming events to assist with questions. This month’s initiative, Chalk for Census, will be held today to encourage the community to get creative with their messaging outdoors and share their photos via social media. A few children from a local neighborhood joined Mayor Wells-Armstrong to show off their sidewalk chalk designs for Census. Those who participate can also be entered to win a prize by following the instructions on the City of Kankakee’s Facebook page. For more information on the 2020 Census, visit, www.2020census.gov.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

Download the Press Release -Census Day of Action: An Update on the 2020 Census in Response to COVID-19