The US Census takes place every ten years in order to get an accurate count of the population. Participating in the census isn’t just a chance to make a difference in our community, it’s also the law.

When you respond to the census, you help ensure that Mentor gets its fair share of the more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.

Results of the Census also help how determine how many seats each state gets in Congress. State and local officials also use census counts to draw boundaries for congressional, state legislative, and school districts.

But that’s not all; Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, and this creates jobs. Developers use the census to build new homes and revitalize old neighborhoods. Local governments use the census for public safety and emergency preparedness. Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy.

In mid-March, homes across the nation will begin receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census. Once your invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail.

For more information on the U.S. Census visit 2020census.gov.