Does Anyone Here Care About Census data Chicago

“Does Anyone Here Care About Census data? ” Chicago City Data Users Forum May 6, 2015 Joan Naymark Executive Director MACS Census Project Member

Situation: Data solve problems and open up our democracy We Data • “You are entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts” Daniel Patrick Moynihan. • Statistical data, big data, open data, government data…… when combined, make for a stronger economy, more transparent government, and well-being for all. In other words, data drive lots of good things.

Statistical data, like the decennial census and the American Community Survey (ACS) are important for open government and big data analytics • Anyone need a denominator? • Benchmarks? Validity checks? • Trend lines? • Attributes? • Maps? Example: Plotting 311 calls or voter registration data by neighborhood– what are the demographics and income levels of those areas? What is the population? How is it changing? What can we expect in the future? Can I see a thematic map?

What data are we talking about? • 2020 Decennial Census • Required by our constitution – Article 1, Section 2 • April 1, every 10 years • Count, household relationship, age, gender, race, ethnicity, housing tenure • American Community Survey (ACS) – Census long form data • 1790: First ACS-like questions • Founding fathers viewed community level data as critical for good governance at the local level • 1940 -2000 Census long form -- a sample of the U. S. population • 2005+ Census long form questionnaires -- 3. 5 million households annually • Data released every year – more timely, more relevant, more useful. • Social, economic, housing, and demographic attributes. A rich data source for local use.

ACS Census data are used every day • All levels of government, the private sector, NGOs • Good data drive good decisions • $400+ billion in federal funds distributed annually based on the ACS • There is no other source for these data • Comprehensive. Every geography, large & small, across the U. S. Broad set of topics covered every year. • Consistent. Same questions used over time • Reliable. Measures what we want to measure, statistically sound • Credible. Gold standard in statistical data around the world • Secure. Census Bureau has never had a breach • Available and accessible. Free! www. census. gov What would we do without census data?

Complication: Some in Congress believe the ACS questionnaire is intrusive and reflects government overreach To be fair: Every congressional office in America receives several calls a year from residents who are offended, scared, or need confirmation about the questionnaire. What’s the answer? Better education of congress and the public about what it is, and how it benefits local communities. Local voices matter.

This is what members of congress hear. I don’t like this question Is this survey legit? Is it a scam? This questionnaire is too snoopy Why do I have to fill this out? Will I be fined if I don’t send it back?

What could they do about it? • Make the American Community Survey voluntary? • Underfund or fund the 2020 Census and other key census programs too late for adequate design and testing?

Instead, What if…… We informed our elected officials that we depend on data from the American Community Survey, decennial census, economic census, and other great census programs? That open data and transparent government are vital to democracy? Chicago is a national leader making city data available for civic good. “Come & get it!” But what about the census source data used for overlays, benchmarks, and turning information into grids and maps? Not to mention good government? Census source data are at risk. We need to make sure it’s there over the long haul for civic and economic good.

How are census data used in Illinois? We use ACS data to analyze health insurance across the U. S. We use the ACS to create data for users everywhere We use data to site new stores We use ACS data to understand forecast population trends for state policy and the legislature We use ACS data for economic development and to attract jobs

MACS was launched March 2013 MN coalition to preserve ACS Census data MACS Mission is to educate Minnesota’s Members of Congress and the public about the critical importance of census data to drive a strong economy and improve the well-being of all Minnesotans. www. minnesotansforacs. org It just takes 5 calls…… What works? • Reasonable voices • Voices of leaders • Diverse stakeholders -- Not your typical coalition • Nonpartisan • Education – “Here’s how we use it, and this is what would (not) happen without it. ”

MACS Toolkit Using local voices to support census data in other states, communities, industries…. . Why are local voices important? • It works -- Members of Congress listen to constituents. • To counter-balance the negative blogs, press, and videos. Is it hard to do? • It’s an easy “ask”. Leaders, analysts, & investors understand the importance of consistent, reliable data. • Not many resources are required. • The audience is ready --- a staff member in each congressional office owns “Census”. The Mission is simple Educate Members of Congress and the public about the importance of data to promote the prosperity and well-being of …………. . (insert your state, industry, community here)

MACS FAQs • Could the ACS survey actually become voluntary? What would happen to our data (quality and availability)? What’s Canada’s experience, you say? • How is the Census Bureau responding to concerns about “intrusive” questions? • Would Congress actually withhold funding or authorization in a way that would degrade our data? What then? • Who are your supporters? Is this a partisan issue? • Do other states have something like MACS?

Jobs, Economy Census bureau data 10 Steps to Start Something Investment 1. Create a mission statement 2. Identify & enlist supporters Community 3. Form a steering committee Program Health 4. Create data stories Mgmt 5. Reach out to congressional offices 6. Coordinate with MACS, APDU, The Census Project 7. Maintain contact with Congress [reach out at key moments] 8. Communicate (web site -copy http: //minnesotansforacs. org/) 9. Network with (local) organizations 10. Engage the media ACS Housing, transportation Sound decisions

Does anyone in Illinois care about census data?

Resources, questions, comments, partnerships…… joan. g. naymark@gmail. com http: //minnesotansforacs. org http: //www. thecensusproject. org/