U.S. Census Bureau opens review process for 2020 census results

The U.S. Census Bureau has opened its 2020 Census Count Question Resolution Operation, a formal program that allows local governments to review the 2020 census results for processing errors that may impact federal funding. As part of the process, the highest elected or appointed city official can request a review of their city’s population and housing counts, as well as potential boundary, geocoding, and coverage issues.

If the data is corrected, the revised count can be used for future programs that require official, population-based funding, such as the federal Community Development Block Grant Program. The Census Bureau will also use the revised data to calculate future population estimates. However, a region’s apportionment data, redistricting counts, or other decennial census data products will not change.

Officials may want to consider submitting a case if they believe there is reason to correct the boundaries legally in effect on January 1, 2020, including the housing counts for blocks affected by a boundary correction. Cities may also wish to request a review of enumeration records — an area that could be covered by a single census taker — for processing errors that excluded housing units.

More information about the process is available on the Census Bureau’s 2020 Census Count Question Resolution Operation Participant Guide and website. Additionally, the California Department of Finance’s Demographic Research Unit has developed a tool to help local governments identify potential cases.

The deadline to submit a case is June 30, 2023. The Census Bureau has until Sept. 30, 2023, to reply, but aims to respond within 90 days of receipt. For more information, please contact Senior Policy and Legislative Affairs Analyst Jessica Sankus.