Get counted this year!

It’s that time again in U.S. history when every household is asked to tell the federal government how many people live under the roof. Don’t throw away the form! It’s financially vital that you fill out the Census form either on paper or – for the first time ever – on the Internet. Experts estimate each household that doesn't complete the Census survey costs our community about $1,675 in local federal funding per person, per year, for 10 years. One immediate way this hurts our city and state is in transportation funding. The federal government provides a matching amount in transportation dollars to the state amount, so if we want more major projects like the I-235/I-44 interchange update, we need to make sure we have the right count of people. Otherwise, we could get less money to meet a huge need.

And transportation funding is just one example. Our nonprofits need correct totals so they can apply to grants that help them provide services.

Think about when you have friends over for dinner. If you expect 10 people and 20 show up, you’re going to be short on food. Having the right count of people in our city will make a huge difference in the next 10 years. 

The count has already started in Alaska. Keep a lookout in your mail between mid-March and April 1 about when you can fill out the U.S. Census. If you’re super hyped about the Census and also need part-time employment, there are job openings in Oklahoma.