APA Statement on the U.S. Census

The American Planning Association (APA) supports a full, fair, and comprehensive census. Counting all people and all neighborhoods is essential to planning for our future and an indispensable tool for an array of local decisions.

In light of the October 13, 2020, decision by the United States Supreme Court, APA urges the Census Bureau to continue the decennial count through the end of the month. An early suspension of the census count and delays in census operations due to the pandemic jeopardize accurate population data.

This particularly affects hard-to-count communities, resulting in a lack of resources and opportunity for the next decade for those who need it most. Accuracy is crucial, especially as communities rely on Census data to distribute emergency funding and lay the foundation for an equitable recovery.

Keep counting until everyone is counted.