With the federal government gearing up to conduct the 2020 Census, Missouri communities should be planning strategies to ensure they are counted accurately and thoroughly.

The U.S. Census Bureau anticipates counting approximately 330 million people in more than 140 million housing units during the process. In addition to traditional counting methods, the 2020 Census will include the ability to self-report online.

It is critical that Missouri communities plan ahead and work with the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure they are not undercounted. Official population tallies are critical tools for economic development. The state’s overall population is also important as it helps determine how we are represented in Washington D.C. We currently have eight members in Congress — Missouri lost one Congressional seat following the 2010 Census.

Learn more at http://www.census.gov.