Howard County Executive Calvin Ball yesterday launched “HoCo Counts,” an initiative aimed at raising awareness for the United States 2020 Census. The County’s Complete County Committee will implement a community awareness campaign and encourage full participation.

Census data is used to determine the number of seats each state holds in Congress and how more than $675 billion in federal funds are distributed back to states and local communities for services and infrastructure, including health care, jobs, schools, roads, and businesses.

The stakes are high for the 2020 census – every uncounted Marylander costs $18,210 over the ten-year federal budget cycle. These funds support critical, life-saving programs throughout Maryland’s counties, including Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and Head Start.

According to a press release:

“The Census count will be critical to understanding the updated picture of our community, the needs of all our residents, and the future of our work to serve the public. We are a data-informed government, and the Census gives valuable insight into our needs for education, housing, transportation, healthcare, and more,” said Ball. “We are working hard to ensure that every person is counted, and that Howard County is fully represented across our region and nationally for the strength and diversity of our community.”

Video of the launch event can be found here.

Want to learn more about the U.S. Census? You’re in luck! Listen to the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast – Live at #MACoCon with MDP & the US Census – for information on state and local resources and best practices to promote the most accurate 2020 Census.