Staff writer
Getting federal grants and loans for city projects depends on a city’s average income, so Marion’s city officials plan to push for as many residents as possible to participate in the 2020 Census.
“In the 2010 Census the city was very close to the low-to-moderate income category,” city administrator Roger Holter said.
That’s the reason a full and accurate Census is needed.
Holter said 2020 is the first year the Census will be taken primarily online. Very few people will be canvassing door-to-door to count people, he said.
Between 1 and 5% of the population typically won’t participate in the Census.
If even 1% of Marion residents don’t participate, that could mean $20,000 in federal money lost, Holter said.
The population served by the Marion County Resource Center and Food Bank tend to be low in participation, so the food bank will be encouraging people to provide Census information, he said.
“We believe we can get out ahead of this,” Holter said. “There are still 140 days.”