Preserve the Efficacy and Accuracy of the Decennial Census
Adopted at the in 2018
WHEREAS, the census impacts our fundamental right of accurate representation in government as it is used in the apportionment of Congressional districts; and
WHEREAS, the census creates a key data set that is utilized by public, private and academic entities to guide decisions and planning that affects all aspects of life for our residents, who's outcomes are felt most profoundly at the local level; and
WHEREAS, the last minute inclusion of a citizenship question, without Congressional oversight singles out immigrants in cities across our nation and threatens the accuracy of the decennial census; and
WHEREAS, cities recognize the invaluable contributions that immigrants have made to our communities; and
WHEREAS, an accurate census count is essential to ensuring a proper distribution of funds to communities of greatest need; and
WHEREAS, the census is an important national level economic tool that has profound local impact in informing decisions on fundamental issues including health care, education, employment and transportation; and
WHEREAS, census information determines investment in infrastructure, school construction, health care facilities as well as child and senior care centers; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls on Congress to take action to protect the accuracy of the decennial census; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Congress must oppose any efforts by the Department of Commerce to enact changes to the census without engaging Congress to ensure any additions or omissions do not create a risk of reducing participation resulting in an inaccurate count; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Congress support legislation including, but not limited to, H.R. 5359 and S. 2580 that seek to ensure Congressional oversight of any changes to the census and prevent the census bureau from including a citizenship question.