January 23, 2020

Oneida County Launches 2020 Census Complete Count Program

News Photo

Census Solution Workshop Sets Stage for Reaching All Populations

Oneida County hosted a U.S. Census Bureau workshop Thursday morning at the Mohawk Valley Community College Utica Campus to generate new ways of reaching hard-to-count populations, encouraging participation in Census surveys and programs and communicating the importance of census data.

The Census Solution Workshop brought together the area’s Complete Count Committee members to participate in a series of activities based on a design thinking methodology that set ambitious goals, encouraged members to think outside the box, brainstorm with others and quickly develop proposals for new solutions to engage communities to participate in the census.

“Today’s workshop assisted our Complete Count Committee in beginning the 2020 Census process and focusing its collective talents to ensure Oneida County is fully counted and receives all of its just due benefits,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Most people dutifully fill out the census form as a matter of civic duty, but for those who do not, it is essential that we find effective ways of identifying and reaching them.”

Last month, Governor Cuomo’s office committed $20 million to help make sure every New Yorker is counted in the upcoming census. $15 million of that funding is being distributed to the 62 counties, as well as the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers.

Oneida County submitted a letter of interest to obtain a share of the funding and was allocated $340,000. The county will use the funding to work with agencies within its hard-to-count communities to improve its overall response rate by increasing public awareness and education about the benefits of participating in the 2020 Census and by making sure residents have completed their Census forms.

Oneida County’s Complete Count Committee is comprised of elected and government officials, as well as representatives from school districts, public libraries, non-profit and support agencies.

For organizations and individuals interested in being a part of the 2020 Census Complete Count Program, please call the Oneida County Department of Planning at 315-798-5710.

Oneida County Partners