WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National League of Cities (NLC) is calling attention to proposed changes to the 2030 Census that could significantly impact cities, towns and villages across America by altering who and where residents counted upending traditional precedent.
In the latest episode of NLC’s CitiesSpeak with Clarence Anthony podcast, Doreen Garlid, NLC second vice president and councilmember from Tempe, Arizona, discussed how the proposed changes could lead to an undercount of residents and negatively affect local governments. Proposed revisions to census rules would change who is counted in the 2030 Census and where and how individuals are counted — changes that are expected to reduce the accuracy of the national population count.
Why an Accurate Census is Important
“An accurate census count is essential to ensuring communities receive the representation and resources they need to serve residents. When residents are undercounted, cities can lose political representation and access to critical funding that supports infrastructure, public services and community investments.”
Census results are a foundational component of how governments understand population trends and distribute resources. According to NLC, an undercount could decrease a city’s political representation and influence while also affecting state and federal funding allocations that rely on census data.
Councilmember Garlid on the Impacts of Undercounting
“The one thing I recognized is how we all across the city and across the state recognized that we were massively undercounted. Since we all expected these higher numbers and we did not get those, that makes a huge difference in funding for our communities.“
Councilmember Garlid on the Effects of the Proposed Rule Changes
“If these rules go into effect, the trickle down is going to be on the most vulnerable in our communities. And it’s going to be our children, it’s going to be our seniors, it’s going to be those people who need more assistance. The trickle-down effect is dangerous for our communities.”
The episode highlights the importance of ensuring that the 2030 Census accurately reflects the nation’s communities and provides local leaders with insight into the potential consequences of the proposed changes. Councilmember Garlid emphasized why municipal leaders should closely monitor the ongoing conversation around census policy.
NLC remains committed to advocating for policies that support accurate population counts and strengthen the ability of local governments to effectively serve residents.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Proposed Census Changes with Doreen Garlid
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Applying for NLC Leadership with Mayor Jodi Miller, Councilmember Bradley Carter & Clarence E. Anthony