2025 contained key operational milestones for the US Census Bureau in preparation for 2030. Our analysis tracks what was expected and where it stands today.

Out of all 2025 operational milestones tracked here, none proceeded as expected or scheduled. Other milestones were either dismissed or disrupted in 2025.

Here is your roadmap for census-related actions in 2025:

These are just some of the census-related advocacy actions your organization should take in 2025 to lay early groundwork for a fair, complete, and accurate count in 2030. It’s never too early to get started.

Preview Important Milestones and Actions for Past and Upcoming Years:

2021

The Impact of 2020

2022

Looking Back, Then Ahead

2023

Building Momentum

2024

Building Momentum

2025

Building Momentum

2026

Charting Forward

2027

Clearing the Path Forward

2028

“Dress Rehearsal”

2029

Almost There

2030

We're Here

2031

Bring It Home

Which Roadmap path is best for you?

Check below to see which description best captures you and click to see suggestions fashioned for your interest.

I rely on the census for funding and resources.

Community-Based Organizations and Local Agencies

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I use the census for shaping my work.

Businesses, Elected Officials, Civil Servants, Unions, and Advocacy Organizations

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I will help lead get out the count efforts.

Complete Count Committees and Potential Lead Partners

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I help utilize, report on, and explain the census.

Educators, Libraries, Community-Based Organizations, Influencers, Researchers, and Media

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I want to support organizations using the Roadmap.

Funders, Grantmaking Organizations, Potential In-Kind Partners

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I don’t know where to start, but I want to help get out the count starting now.

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What is the Roadmap to the 2030 Census?

The Leadership Conference Education Fund and Census Counts developed the “Roadmap to the 2030 Census.” This resource includes U.S. Census Bureau milestones and concrete examples of ways community-based and advocacy organizations, state and local governments, and other partners can engage in census work throughout the decade.

Why start now on the 2030 Census?

The census provides a snapshot of the nation’s population and its demographics. Ensuring accuracy is vital because this data influences legislative representation, the allocation of federal funds, and helps policymakers make informed decisions. Starting early allows for thorough preparation and avoids last-minute pitfalls, which can jeopardize accurate counts.

Census data determines the distribution of over hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding each year. An undercount can lead to significant underfunding for communities, affecting schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and other public services. By starting planning now, communities can be adequately reached and represented, ensuring they receive their fair share of resources.

Raising awareness is a time-consuming process that involves educating the public on the importance of the census, dispelling myths, and addressing concerns. By starting early, there’s ample time to engage with various communities, especially those historically undercounted, and mobilize them to participate.

Numerous challenges can emerge, from logistical issues like accessing remote areas to cultural or language barriers that make some populations harder to reach. Starting early provides the time to identify these challenges and develop tailored strategies to address them effectively.

Community-based organizations and advocacy groups play a pivotal role in reaching out to and mobilizing diverse communities, especially those that are historically underrepresented or mistrustful of government initiatives. Starting early allows these groups to form partnerships, coordinate efforts, share resources, and tailor their outreach strategies to the specific needs of the communities they serve. This collaborative approach enhances trust, maximizes resources, and ensures a comprehensive outreach, ultimately leading to a more accurate census count.