the shape of the 2020 census (jim castagneri)

The Shape of the 2020 CensusJim Castagneri

U.S. Census BureauDenver

Big Changes Coming The 2020 census represents the first major

redesign since 1970 1970 was a breakthrough in utilizing address

lists and the U.S. Post Office for the first time We’ve relied upon paper census forms since

then… In 1990, TIGER was a revolution in geography

but not the census process

Cost and Performance Mass mailing paper questionnaires is no

longer affordable or efficient A Census conducted using 1970’s technology

would cost upwards of $17 billion dollars Using Self-response as the primary

enumeration process, we project to save as much as $5 billion dollars

Some Challenges Some will be unable to use new technology

forcing the use of some paper questionnaires Delivered by mail for some By Census staff for others

Barriers to Internet use have been resolved with back-end geospatial technology…

Where exactly do you live? Have you answered the census already? Do you need help responding?

2020 SolutionsIn-office Canvassing (address listing)

Review of existing addresses Administrative records matching US Postal Delivery Sequence Files (DSF) GIS data from local governments (through the

Geographic Support System initiative)

2020 SolutionsSelf Response (Internet, Telephone, Paper)

Internet based questionnaire Mailed ID cards

Pre-coded to specific addresses Media promotional campaign Non-ID response options

geocoded to specific addresses

2020 SolutionsAdministrative Records

Used to remove vacant housing units from workloads for non-response field work

Used as proxy for enumeration for repeated non-responders

Trusted State and Federal sources of addresses used for additional enumeration efforts

2020 SolutionsMobile technology Integrated mapping and Interviewing tool

Census developed software platform Device as a Service

Similar to public cellphone plans Hardware and data plan inclusive

Reengineering the FutureSupporting 2020 is the Census Enterprise Data Collection and Processing effort (CEDCaP)

An agency-wide retro-fit of the data collection, processing, and ‘tabulation machine’* of the Census Bureau

Will support future surveys and censuses with a uniform design through shared services and resources

* A physical device originally invented by Herman Hollerith

Thank You!Jim Castagneri

US Census Bureau6950 W Jefferson AveLakewood, CO 80235

James.d.castagneri@census.gov