How do we make sure those usually left out of the Census are counted?

"Hard-to-Count" Census 2010 Project

An accurate count of the population is crucial to communities, cities, counties, and states. Census results affect state and local representation, the drawing of jurisdictional lines, policy priorities, and how funds are allocated to communities. Working as part of a statewide public-private-philanthropic partnership, we created the first online platform designed to track outreach and increase the participation of “hard to count” populations in the 2010 Census.

Aligning efforts

First, we looked at "hard-to-count" populations across the state and tracked 2010 Census participation week-by-week in these communities. Our partners conducting outreach were able to customize maps, upload data and share information across different organizations. The platform allowed organizations to enter the locations of their canvassing efforts and the demographic profile of the community members they were targeting. Through the custom-created profiles and neighborhood boundaries, organizations, government programs and foundations could share and identify where their outreach efforts overlapped and where there were gaps in coverage efforts.

Increased participation and funding for LA

As a result, the “Hard to Count” Project contributed to L.A. County exceeding its goal of a 70% or better participation rate in the 2010 Census. Also, in an after-action assessment of this work, it was found that neighborhoods which received targeted outreach activities using Healthy City’s data and maps outperformed similar neighborhoods. This improved Census count in these areas equate to $3.3 billion in federal funding that LA County would have lost over the next ten years without this unique collaborative effort.