Local leaders hold a forum to prepare the valley for the 2020 Census
New changes to the U.S. Census have officials concerned that they won’t be able to paint an accurate picture of the Imperial Valley. This is important because in the last 10 years, the Census helped allocated over $400 billion in federal funds, and some of that money went to Imperial County.
Imperial County has depended on money from the U.S. Census for decades but one change to the census, specifically whether someone is a U.S. citizen, could affect the money received from the survey.
“At the end of the day, that question I mean personally, we believe is irrelevant. But nevertheless that should not have people hesitate in participating in the process of making sure everyone is counted,” said Assembly member Eduardo Garcia.
It’s also critical for the census bureau’s campaign to have community leaders on board, so that residents know they have someone they can trust.
Adelina Zendejas, Deputy Director Census 2020 said, “It’s extremely important because they’re really the trusted messengers. They’re the ones that the local community really trust and assist in bringing these numbers up for the community. So we really wanted to bring them here early on so that they can understand the importance of what is needed.”
One of those leaders say it’s all about working with the different cultures that make up Imperial County. Jose Luis Olmeda Velez, executive director of Comite Civico Del Valle said, “We need to make sure that, as the census rolls out, as the counting begins to happen, that we take into account the cultural challenges that exist. The language barriers, and try to as much as possible learn from past experiences.”
Federal funding is important because it benefits families and communities and also the future of Imperial County. Dr. Martha Garcia, Imperial Valley College vice president, said, “It’s important that they’re involved, it is important that they’re counted in the Census. Because that information is utilized to determine future resources to determine future needs. And it is a large population.”
Community leaders say the task for an accurate count will be monumental, but hopes that the forum lays the groundwork to bring more funds to the valley.
