b'NAVIGATING CHANGENavigating ChangeGeorgia Has 2020 Census on Its Mind A new decadea new count. Since 1790, the United States has conducted a census every 10 years. With more than $675 billion in federal funding flowing back to states and local communities based on census data, Georgia wants to make sure it gets its fair share. In the 2010 Census, Georgia ranked 31st in response rate. The 2010 Census count placed Georgias population at 9,687,653, which provided the state with more than $16 billion annually. From infants to young children to older adults, for every person counted, Georgia receives approximately $2,300 from the federal government.A more accurate count will provide theCounty Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG).articles in our Georgia County Government state and local communities with much- The two are related as we want to ensuremagazine, integrated census information needed funding that supports more thanlocals receive adequate funding to provideinto our social media strategy, and created 100 federal programs, including Medicaid,necessary services to their residents,a 2020 Census page on our website with Head Start, block grants for communities,and we want to ensure we have thespecific data for our members to use.and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistancenumber of congressional seatsadequateThroughout the state, Local Complete Program, also known as SNAP.representationthat accurately reflect theCount Committees have enlisted broad-Federal funds also trickle down to localsize of our states population. based participation from county and communities for healthcare, education, andThe ACCG is working to provide the statesmunicipal leaders, schools and colleges, infrastructure. In 2015, Georgia received $1.6159 counties with the proper educationalregional commissions, chambers of billion in federal allocations for education- and marketing tools, as well as othercommerce, economic development related programs.support to gain an accurate census count.authorities, hospitals, and faith-based and The ACCGs efforts also extend to itsnon-profit organizations. Established in 2017, Georgias Completepartnership with the Georgia Municipal Count Committee (GCCC) is charged withAssociation (GMA) in the publication of aHard-to-Count Populationdeveloping and coordinating the statesjoint monthly newsletterLocals Count In Georgia, 22 percent of the states 2020 Census outreach program andand hosting webinars and workshopspopulation live in hard-to-count (HTC) marketing campaign, and ramping up thefocused on the 2020 Census.areas, which the U.S. Census Bureau message that Every.One.Counts.identifies as populations for whom a Not only are the budgetary implications of the census significant, but implications regarding reapportionment prove to be equally important. - DAVE WILLSreal or perceived barrier exists to full Not only are the budgetary implicationsUnderstanding that the census count is aand representative inclusion in the data of the census significant, but implicationsgrassroots effort on the local level, ACCGcollection process. These segments include regarding reapportionment prove tohas been sharing information with ourpeople that are difficult to locate, contact, be equally important, says Dave Willsmembers since 2018 to help them prepare,persuade, or interview. executive director of the Association ofsays Wills. Weve published a series of 2020 Census marketing materials provided by Valdosta 54 SnGiv eMrsAityGsA CZeInNteErfo| rW N 2 BUSINESS + CULTURE 55State USoI utTh EGReorg0ia2 R0egional Impact'