Baltimore’s arts council, event center and film office. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

BOPA Census

The Census is easy, safe and important! 10 questions, 10 minutes, 10 years.

As Baltimore’s Arts Council, we are committed to focusing and educating on how important it is to have a complete Census count of our creative community. Take part in the Census and shape your future. Participate to say “I count!”  2020census.gov 

What is the Census & Why is it Important?

Once every 10 years, the Federal Government performs a headcount of all the people in the United States. This count determines how to allocate more than $675 billion in Federal dollars supporting state and local community programs across the Country. For every person not counted, a city loses over $18,000 in federal funding over 10 years.

Participation in the Census is required by law. The US Census Bureau seeks to count all people in the US at their usual place of residence or household, be it a family member or not. Everyone in the household counts.

Baltimore and Why the Census Matters

  • Financial Resources: Annual allocation of $900 million to Baltimore through Federal Assistance Programs
  • Planning & Policy Guidance: Population data is used by almost every City Agency to set priorities.
  • Social & Racial Equity: Baltimore must continue to ensure that the most vulnerable residents are counted and that City policy continues to support the diversity that makes Baltimore so great.

Privacy

Privacy

  • The Census Bureau will never call residents to ask questions
  • The Census will NEVER ask you for:
    • Your social security number
    • Money or donations
    • Anything on behalf of a political party
    • Your bank or credit card account number
  • Your data is confidential and will not be shared.  
  • It is a federal offense to share Census responses 

Census Timeline

  • March 12: Invitations to respond are mailed out. This is when self-response begins.
  • You can respond online, by mailed paper form, or calling the Census Bureau
  • Only 1 person in each household needs to complete the census form, but must include all the other adults and children living in the household even if they are unrelated
  • Count who ever lives in the home on April 1, 2020, even if you complete the form before April
  • If a resident does not want a U.S Census taker to follow up at their door, they must complete the form during the self-response phase
  • The online form will be available in 13 written languages upon request
  • April 1: Census Day! All people staying in the house on this day are to be counted on the form.
  • April 23: The last week to self-respond Before the Census Bureau makes 3 attempts to follow-up at the household’s door.
  • May to June: Numerators will knock on household doors to help residents complete Census

BOPA Info Sessions

Below is a list of events that the BOPA Ambassadors and staff are attending for more information on the 2020 Census.

  • CityLit Festival (March 21)
  • African American Children’s Book Fair (May 2)
  • Scholastic Ceremony (March 1)
  • Scholastic Exhibition (March 6)
  • BOPA Info Sessions (March 11, 14, 24)
  • Baltimore Farmer’s Market (April 5-May 3)
  • Community Night: Citizenship Celebration at the Museum of Industry (April 8)

More Information