Community Developments

The Roanoke Area Census Office held an open house and kickoff event on January 17, 2020. The event included a joint meeting of the Roanoke County and City of Roanoke Census Complete Count (CCC) Committees. 

In his opening remarks Roanoke County Supervisor Vice Chair Phil North said, “I am pleased when Roanoke County and the City work together to make a greater impact. To the public let me say, we need your help in spreading the word about the census. Tell your friends and neighbors how important it is for our region.” 

Because the success of the 2020 Census depends on everyone’s participation, the mission of the CCCs is to help spread the word, to assist residents who need help responding, and to inform the public about the importance of all residents being counted.

Importance of the Census at the local level:

There are many ways that Census data is used to serve the people. Primarily, it is the way that we get our tax money back from the federal government so that we can use it for programs and infrastructure here at home. For every person not counted Roanoke County loses $2,000 per year, or $20,000 over 10 years because the census only happens every 10 years! Another way the Census is used is to redraw legislative districts (redistrict) based on population changes.

Important dates:

• March 12-20:  Households will begin receiving mailings with instructions to respond either online, by phone, or by mail.
• April 1:  Census Day – residents will have received an invitation to participate, and will respond to the Census with their address as of this date.  
• May – November:  Census takers will visit residences of those who have not responded.
• December:  Census counts will be delivered to the President and Congress as required by law. 

The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring hundreds of thousands of people across the country to serve as Census takers and to help spread the word about the importance of the 2020 Census. According to local officials, the area Census office is authorized to hire hundreds of people in the Roanoke Valley. Joining the 2020 Census team is an important way to serve your community and to be sure your neighbors are counted for this region and for the Commonwealth of Virginia.