My message to you this month is simple:
- Everyone counts in Tigard.
This may be the most important Census ever for Tigard, but the risk of an undercount is also greater than ever. An undercount would result in Tigard neighborhoods being shortchanged on funding for everything from affordable housing to public safety.
In 2010, approximately 75 percent of the Tigard community completed the Census. I challenge you to help Tigard do better in 2020 and ensure that we are the city in the Portland metro area with the highest percentage of completed Census forms.
I know there are concerns in the community about participating in the Census. Please know that your privacy is protected. It’s against the law for the U.S. Census Bureau to release any information that could identify you or your household. Your responses will contribute to vital city-wide data.
Collecting the data is important for you, your family, and our community. Here’s why:
- An undercount in Tigard could translate to a loss of adequate representation. Population counts from the Census drive redistricting and how many representatives we have at the state and national levels.
- The Census affects your everyday quality of life. Think about the issues most important to you: high-quality education for your kids; transportation to get you where you need to go; and health care to keep you and your family well. Each of these programs is allocated funding based on Census data.
- Billions of dollars in economic activity are determined based on Census data. Businesses use Census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores. These all represent jobs. Real-estate developers use the Census to determine where to build new homes and which neighborhoods to revitalize. Having a complete count of Tigard will lead to more business and employment opportunities for our community.
It is my job as a community leader to make the Census easy on you. We are hosting a Census Kickoff Party on Wednesday, Apr. 1, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tigard Library. Census representatives will be on hand to answer questions and help you complete the Census questionnaire. We’ll also have food, family activities, and entertainment.
You may also contact me directly
with Census-related questions at
jason@tigard-or.gov or 503-810-0269.
