The National Association of Realtors has been designated by the U.S. Census Bureau as a national partner for the upcoming 2020 Census. To encourage full participation which will ensure accurate data, NAR is asking its 1.4 million Realtors nationwide to help drive census participation in their respective communities.
As mandated by Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution, every 10 years the U.S. government counts its population. The census is used to draw voting districts to determine appropriate Congressional representation. In addition, roughly $1.5 trillion is allocated to states and localities annually based off census results - delivering funds for roads, hospitals, schools and countless other public services. More specifically, this year's results will influence the allocation of $93.5 billion to Federal Direct Student Loans, $19.3 billion to Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and $12 billion to the National School Lunch Program.
Based on census estimates released early this month, California is one of 10 states likely to lose a congressional seat. State officials say more people left California than moved in over the course of a year. If California loses a seat in Congress, the state's number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will drop from 53 to 52 and it could cost the state billions of dollars in federal funds.
Mary Kay Groth, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, stressed the importance to the state and the region of everyone's participation in the census. "There is no doubt out-migration to other states has been caused by our state's housing crisis. That's why we are urging the legislature to continue to make the housing crisis a top priority. For now, we need to do everything to make sure that all residents - citizens and noncitizens - are counted this year."
Groth said NAR has prepared a toolkit for members to help communicate the census' importance to their clients, friends and community. The promotional materials emphasize the importance of responding to the 2020 Census and include informational resources from the Census Bureau and ways Realtors can be involved in the census.
Groth said the Bureau will never ask for bank account or social security numbers, donations or anything on behalf of a political party. Strict federal law protects the confidentiality of census responses, but there is still worry about low participation.
"Our state has a high homeless population and immigrants who may not participate because they fear they would be targeted by federal immigration authorities. While options to respond over the phone and through the mail will still be available, this year will mark the first time the questionnaire can be completed online. However, there is also the concern of losing those without reliable internet connections," explained Groth. "For all these reasons, we are calling on our members to get involved and encourage everyone they know to participate in the census."
Notices about the 2020 Census will be mailed in mid-March. The Bureau will offer a guide in roughly 60 different languages.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.