Monitor and, as Appropriate, Contribute to Research and Development Decisions for the 2030 Census, Such as Residence Criteria (e.g., Where People in Prison Are Counted), Operations (e.g., Reliance on the Internet, Mapping Technologies, and Use of Administrative Records), and Questionnaire Development (e.g., Improvement of Race/Ethnicity Questions and Consideration of SOGI Questions)

2025 is a pivotal year in the Census Bureau’s planning process for 2030. The first operational plan is scheduled for release this year, and research and development (R&D) decisions are actively being finalized.

Community-based organizations can play an essential role in ensuring those decisions reflect the real-world experiences of historically undercounted communities.

Here’s where to focus your attention:

✔ Residence criteria – how people in prisons, college housing, shelters, or other group quarters are counted
✔ Operational design – such as the reliance on internet response, use of administrative records, and mapping technologies
✔ Questionnaire updates – including improvements to race/ethnicity questions and the consideration of SOGI data collection

The Census Bureau’s 2030 Census Research Project Explorer is a great starting point to see what’s under review.

✅ Submit feedback where public input is being requested
✅ Surface concerns through coalitions, working groups, or direct comments
✅ Pay attention to CBAMS data and other insights that could shape future messaging

Your engagement in this process can help prevent undercounts and ensure better representation of your community in the next decade.