CSS 2020-04-27 Item 1E - Discussion - Census 2020 Outreach and Community Connectors Program

Browse Search

City of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Community Services and Safety Committee FROM: Niesha Fort -Brooks, Community Engagement Manager CC: Mayor Ekberg Date: April 1, 2020 SUBJECT: Census 2020 Outreach and the Community Connectors Program ISSUE Staff has been requested to provide an update on Census 2020 outreach and the status of the Community Connectors Program. DISCUSSION 2020 Census Outreach Staff has been working in partnership with various stakeholders to ensure that Tukwila residents receive real time information about the 2020 Census. Staff has established partnerships with Refugee Women's Alliance (REWA), the Tukwila School District Community Liaisons and Tukwila Food Pantry, as well as other organizations to get the word out on the importance of the Census. Like all communities across the country, Census outreach has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Tukwila. City staff in collaboration with REWA's Census Program Coordinator presented to REWA's social workers about self -responding online, utilizing the 59 language guides provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, and the option to call in or use the paper form. This work was done before the "Stay Healthy, Stay Home" order. This partnership has allowed the City to work with both REWA and Tukwila School District Community Liaisons to ensure Tukwila's non-English speakers have equitable access to the 2020 Census. Staff has worked with other organizations such as Tukwila HealthPoint, Global to Local, Foster High School, Tukwila King County Library and South King County Census Table. Post -pandemic, staff is working with the Tukwila Food Pantry to insert half -sheets encouraging residents to participate in the 2020 Census with new updates from the Census Bureau. The City will translate this material into the top five languages to ensure inclusive outreach. The US Census Bureau extended the window for enumerators going door to door and self - responders to October 31, 2020, which allows for the apportionment counts to be delivered to the President by April 30, 2021, and redistricting data to be delivered to states no later than July 31, 2021. This extension will allow staff to continue with its outreach efforts by utilizing various messaging platforms and working in partnership with our stakeholders. 65