How to Use the Roadmap for Ongoing Census Actions, Year After Year

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The 10 years between each decennial census are filled with actionable milestones that help you and your organization serve your audiences, communicate needs, implement wise data-based decisions, and plan for the future. Options for interacting include selecting the current year to find out what’s happening now, going back a few years and catching up on the spectrum of resources, or looking into the future to plan for next steps.

Most milestones are hyperlinked to the data or event they describe, and each year’s group of milestones links to Action Lists for ideas about how you can mobilize your stakeholders. The examples supporting each milestone and year are based on and sourced from historical actions of organizations like yours to use, support, and strengthen the census, as well as Get Out The Count (GOTC).

Select the current year to review potential actions you can take now, or select past or future action years to catch up and plan for what is next. Most actions are cross-referenced for relevance to specific audiences. Some actions include references to examples from specific organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the ACLU, and the NAACP.

Quick Jump to Year

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031

2021

Apportionment & Data Releases

In 2021, the post-collection phase of the 2020 Census gave way to multiple representation-related milestones. The Congressional Apportionment Counts and redistricting data took center stage, with ongoing efforts like the American Community Survey and the launch of the Count Question Resolution Program to further refine the story of who we are in the US.

Below are specific events and programs that marked 2021’s census-related developments. Click on More For 2021 for links to descriptions.

  • Release of Congressional Apportionment Counts

  • Redistricting Data Releases

  • Demographic Profiles Release

  • 2020 Census Assessments and Evaluations

  • American Community Survey

  • Count Question Resolution Program

2022

Looking Back & Ahead

Throughout 2022, the census landscape evolved with a unique blend of retrospection and forward-thinking initiatives. From diving deep into the archives with the unveiling of the 1950 Census forms to laying the groundwork for the 2030 Census, the year was a fusion of honoring historical data and pioneering fresh strategies.

Here are just some of the standout census milestones from 2022:

  • 2020 Census Post-Enumeration Survey

  • 1950 Census forms become available

  • American Community Survey (ongoing)

  • Research and testing to inform 2030 Census design

  • OMB listening sessions

  • Research to inform development of 2030 Census

2023-2025

Building Momentum

Navigating from 2023 to 2025, the census landscape promises a dynamic interplay of closure, renewal, and pioneering efforts. While programs like the Count Question Resolution find their culmination in 2023, initiatives like the Population Estimates Challenge Program are set for a revival. Simultaneously, the march towards the 2030 Census gains momentum with exhaustive research, testing, and public engagement to shape its design and content. Moreover, the inclusion of potential SOGI questions underscores the Census Bureau’s commitment to reflect the evolving sociocultural fabric.

Whether you’re an organization or an individual, understanding these milestones and the accompanying actions provide valuable insights for engaging in census activities.

  • Population Estimates Challenge Program

  • Federal Register Notices seeking public input

  • Release of Demographic and Housing Characteristics files

  • OMB finalizes revisions to federal race and ethnicity standards

  • American Community Survey (ongoing)

  • Securing dedicated funding

2026

Testing & Planning

2026 promises to be a year of rigorous testing and planning, with focus on refining the census design, assessing the questionnaire’s content, and potentially revising residence rules. While established initiatives like the American Community Survey persevere, new ventures like the 2030 Census Barriers, Attitudes, and Motivators Survey (CBAMS) are tentatively set to kick off.

Preview more on these defining census milestones for 2026 by clicking on the tab below:

  • Testing for the 2030 Census

  • American Community Survey (ongoing)

  • Demographic and economic surveys (ongoing)

  • 2030 Census planning phase continues

2027

Clearing Path Forward

As the 2030 Census inches closer, begin to rally advocates and secure vital grant funding. This year is the culmination of the census’ fine-tuning, with the tentative final testing of operations, methods, and questionnaires. Notably, the year mandates the submission of 2030 Census topics to Congress by April 1. Continuous efforts, such as the American Community Survey, remain robust, and determinative criteria surrounding residence and its implications for prison gerrymandering are set to be finalized.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Final testing of specific census operations, methods, and question

  • Submission of topics to be covered in the 2030 Census and ACS to Congress

  • Start of the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) operation

  • Census Bureau finalizes Residence Criteria and Residence Situations

2028

“Dress Rehearsal”

The year 2028 is a blend of execution and preparation. It marks the beginning of the 2030 Census operational plan’s implementation, and the “dress rehearsal” or the End-To-End Census Test is scheduled to take place. There’s a crucial submission to Congress of the 2030 Census and ACS questions by April 1. On the ground, Regional Census Centers are set to open, and recruitment for various temporary census roles kickstarts.

All this and more:

  • Begin implementation of 2030 Census operational plan

  • End-To-End Census Test

  • Regional Census Centers open

  • Recruitment begins for temporary census positions

2029

Almost There

2029 is characterized by intensive preparation. Final census measures are in motion, with tentative plans for in-field address canvassing and the opening of local census offices. Recruitment and hiring for temporary census roles, including local office staff and address listers, maintain their momentum. Additionally, the year emphasizes enlightening the public through sustained or newly launched education and communication campaigns.

Here are just some of the milestones for 2029:

  • Final census preparations

  • Recruitment continues for temporary census positions

  • Continuation or launch of education and communications campaigns

  • American Community Survey (ongoing)

2030

Arriving Now

Of course, the year 2030 stands as the zenith of census operations with April 1 marking the ever so significant “Census Day.” The early months witness a hiring surge for field staff, encompassing supervisors and enumerators. Once field operations conclude, the focus shifts to enhancing coverage, processing data, and performing quality checks. Another pivotal event is the Post-Enumeration Survey, initiated to gauge census accuracy. By year’s end, the Secretary of Commerce communicates apportionment counts to the president, and the Census Bureau simultaneously releases this data to the public.

Below are some of the crucial census milestones for 2030:

  • 2030 Census peak operations

  • Hiring of field staff

  • Post-Enumeration Survey

  • Secretary of Commerce transmits apportionment counts and results

2031

Bringing It Home

In 2031, we will enter the post-collection phase of the 2030 Census, including multiple representation-related milestones. The Congressional Apportionment Counts and redistricting data will take center stage, with ongoing efforts like the American Community Survey and the launch of the Count Question Resolution Program to further refine the story of who we are in the US.

Below are specific events and programs we can anticipate for 2031’s census-related developments. Click on More For 2031 to look farther ahead.

  • Release of Congressional Apportionment Counts

  • Redistricting Data Releases

  • Demographic Profiles Release

  • 2030 Census Assessments and Evaluations

  • American Community Survey

  • Count Question Resolution Program