2020 Census

Complete Count Salem

The purpose of the Complete Count Committee is to help the U.S. Census Bureau Salem residents once, only once, and in the right place. Federal, state, and local governments rely on accurate Decennial Census data because it:

It affects residents' representation in the state and federal government.
Determines allocation of $675 billion federal dollars among state and local governments.
Represents a loss of $2,000 in federal funding for every person not counted.
Helps local governments, public schools, and non-profit communities rely on data to design appropriate programming and services.

Salem's Complete Count Committee

Creates an informational webpage for Salem residents.
Shares information on the U.S. Census across Salem platforms, including the City of Salem website, social media, and more.
Hosts events to assist and encourage census completion.
Cooperates with other localities to reach all Roanoke Valley residents with messages about the importance of the census.

March 2020

Postcards will be sent to most homes in the U.S. Households will be able to respond by internet or phone.
Letter with information to take the survey online (the majority of people will get this) or Letter and Paper Survey. Additional letters and postcards will be sent throughout March to households who haven't responded.

April 1, 2020: Census Day

April 2020

Letter and paper questionnaire to non-respondents
Yet another postcard reminder to non-respondents

May through July

Non-response follow-up: Census enumerators visit addresses that did not complete a Census questionnaire and collect information at the door.
Non-response follow-up re-interviews.

Committee Members

Committee Chair: Ann Tripp, Library Director, Salem Public Library
Mike Stevens, Communications Director, City of Salem
Carly Budzynski, Senior Librarian, Salem Public Library
Jimmy Whited, Director of Residence Life and Housing, Roanoke College
Curtis Hicks, Assistant Superintendent, Salem City Schools