REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adoption of a Resolution in Support of 2020 Census [Council Pillar: Community Engagement and Transparency]
Report
BACKGROUND
At a Council study session on Jan. 28, 2020, City Council received an informational briefing on the 2020 Census, including:
• An outline of the 2020 Census and what to expect,
• An update on current regional activities, and
• An overview of activities and outreach in Santa Clara.
During that meeting, City Council requested that staff return with a draft resolution in support of the 2020 Census. However, in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic became an inescapable reality, and the City Council adjusted its focus to emergency response and essential services.
As the pandemic continued, the U.S. Census Bureau took steps to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the 2020 Census by requesting an additional 120 calendar days to deliver the final apportionment counts. This change, among others, was approved (Attachment 1), and the response deadline for participation in the 2020 Census has been extended to October 31, 2020.
DISCUSSION
In addition to the update provided in January 2020, the City has continued to promote the Census through its regular informational channels, including social media, the City Manager’s Biweekly Report, utility mailing inserts and more. Census Day was April 1, 2020 and the Santa Clara Library hosted several online, Census-themed activities, including story times and Census-taking for kids, etc.
As of the writing of this report, the self-response rate for Santa Clara was 70%. Though the average self-response rate is 70%, there are census tracts in Santa Clara with lower rates - the lowest response rate in Santa Clara is 58.7% (Attachment 2). Please note that the response rate does not represent each individual response, only the percentage of households that have responded. Response rates are updated regularly and can be found at <https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html>.
Staff continues to work with our regional Census representative to promote the 2020 Census during these times. Though the type of outreach has changed, information continues to be spread through the following:
• Regular social media posts
• Informational Census videos (last video from Santa Clara Library on June 3)
• Outreach at weekend meal distribution sites
• Work with regional partners to support and amplify regional efforts
The City is committed to ensuring a complete count of the Santa Clara community and working to encourage all households to be counted.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost to the City associated with this report other than administrative time and expense.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution recognizing the importance of the 2020 Census and committing support to ongoing outreach activities that ensure a complete count and the participation of all Santa Clara residents.
Staff
Reviewed by: Cynthia Bojorquez, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19
2. 2020 Census Self-Response Rate By Census Tract as of July 6, 2020
2. Resolution