CENSUS 2020
You Matter. Get Counted.
WHO WE ARE
The Spokane County Complete Count Committee is working to ensure a complete and accurate 2020 Census in Spokane County. Through collaboration and partnership, we aim to improve the community's understanding of and trust in the Census so that the 2020 count is a thorough and accurate reflection of our community.
WHY IT MATTERS
Money - Representation - Services
Federal, state, and local governments use Census data to determine how tax dollars and other resources are allocated. Importantly, Washington State receives approximately $13.7 billion in federal funds for a variety of human service, community development, and health programs.
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Census data is also used to inform how political boundaries are drawn, which means that an accurate count will help ensure that communities are represented accurately in Congress and the Washington Legislature.
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Nonprofit organizations use census data to plan and target their services. Businesses use the data to assess need and workforce capacity.
DONORS
The Spokane County Complete Count Committee and Coordinator are made possible with funds from Innovia Foundation and jurisdictions within Spokane County through Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC).
Funding for Spokane County Complete Count comes from the following municipalities and organizations:Â Airway Heights, Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Latah, Liberty Lake, Medical Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Spangle, City of Spokane, Spokane County, Spokane Valley, Waverly, Spokane International Airport, Spokane Transit and WSDOT. Contributions are facilitated through SRTC.
Innovia Foundation is a community foundation that connects donor generosity to the region’s most pressing causes. They collaborate with partners to drive transformation across Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Innovia houses the Committee Coordinator and contributes to the cost of this position.
OUTREACH PRIORITIES
Everyone matters and needs to be counted, but some are more at risk of being under-counted. There are hard to count groups and low response geographic regions. These are our focus areas.
HARD TO COUNT GROUPS
These can include those who are hard to locate, like households that may not appear on our address list or people who may want to remain hidden. Some populations are hard to contact because they are highly mobile, experiencing homelessness or living in gated communities. Hard-to-count populations can be those that are hard to persuade because they lack trust in the government and the way their data will be used. They can also be hard to interview because of language barriers or low internet access. Many people fall under more than one of these designations.
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Young children
Undocumented immigrants
Highly mobile persons
Persons who distrust the government
Racial and ethnic minorities
LGBTQ persons
Non-English speakers
Persons with mental or physical disabilities
Low income persons
Persons who do not live in traditional housing
Persons experiencing homelessness/houseless
LOW RESPONSE TRACTS
The Low Response Score is a guide for identifying hard to count populations. It is generated by a model using 25 influential variables (e.g., age, marital status, ethnicity) that are expected to be associated with low self response. The Office of Financial Management created the map shown. The Census Bureau's mapping system, ROAM, considers internet access as an additional factor. To view the comprehensive list of tracts we've identified as priorities, click here.
STRATEGY
The Committee's logic model informs the Work Plan which then dictates the Outreach Plan.
STRUCTURE
STEERING COMMITTEE
Advises on decisions impacting Complete Count activities. Makes recommendations about Spokane Regional Transportation Committee (SRTC) / Innovia pooled Census program fund use.
WORK GROUP COMMITTEE
Regular convening of groups and organizations doing Census outreach in Spokane County. An opportunity for networking, feedback, developing partnerships, learning, etc. thus reducing duplication and amplifying efforts.
SUBCOMMITTEES
Subgroups of folks working on Census outreach who are unified by a topic or target audience. Based on naturally formed alliances. Supplemental groups created when Coordinator and group members see gaps.
PUBLIC FORUMS
Meetings and trainings open to the public where community members can learn about Census outreach efforts and provide input. Anyone may attend.
ACCESSIBILITY
Whether you serve on a subcommittee or are a member of the public interested in attending a public forum, we want to reduce barriers to access. Your voice matters. Please contact the Committee Coordinator to discuss accommodations.
CONTACT US
Spokane County Complete Count Committee is a community-led group. The Committee Coordinator position is funded by jurisdictions in Spokane County through the Spokane Regional Transportation Council and Innovia Foundation. The Committee Coordinator is housed at Innovia Foundation.
Alex Panagotacos, Committee Coordinator
421 W Riverside Ave Suite #606, Spokane, WA 99201
509-624-2606
