Opinion
Must Be Counted
Being counted today will help our neighborhood succeed in the future. By Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins.
Take a look around you and try to remember what Downtown Miami looked like 10 years ago. Our neighborhood has dramatically changed, with a bustling business district and a steep increase in the number of young families moving into our urban core — and it will continue to transform in the years to come.
For those who don’t know, the federal and state resources allocated to our community are based on Census data. The Census takes place every 10 years and is tasked with counting every person living in the United States — and it’s right around the corner. Initial invitation letters to complete the Census are being mailed this month, and it is the first time in history that the Census can be filled out online, over the phone, by mail or in-person — so there are no excuses! The Census data is vital to the future of our neighborhood, from the number of representatives in Congress to the growth of our businesses and academic institutions. It is up to us to make sure our community gets counted.
To put it into scale, every person counted represents $1,800 a year for the next 10 years, in terms of federal and state funds allocated to our community. Each person who we miss means we’re missing out on $18,000 ($1,800/year) for infrastructure, roads, public transit, and more. That’s $18,000 that could have gone to a child’s participation in Head Start and data that could have led to the creation of more seats in our public schools.
The tricky part for Downtown residents is that we live in high-rise buildings with lots of people. Many residents live with roommates, and I know from my staff that some of our young folks never check the mail.
To make sure every resident in Downtown is counted, my office has launched the “Urban Core Complete Count Committee” in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority. This committee is comprised of property managers, homeowners’ associations, and non-profit experts in outreach who are all committed to raising awareness about the Census in our community.
My office will be hosting information sessions in buildings throughout Downtown and Brickell to educate residents on the importance of the Census and how they can get counted. We will also be promoting through building email lists, fun events at local restaurants, and on social media.
So, what can you do? Most importantly, check your mail and make sure everyone in your household is counted! There is only one Census survey per address, so whether you live with family, friends, or random roommates, every single person living under the same roof must be counted on the same form. Once you have filled out your form, be an ambassador for the Census and let your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues know the importance of getting counted.
Remember the Census is safe, important and easy! Being counted today will help our neighborhood succeed in the future.
Eileen Higgins is the Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 5.
