Officials estimate that only 50 percent of folks in L.A. County have responded to the U.S. Census so far—that includes Topanga, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades. Yet, the Census is safe, anonymous and will increase federal funding in L.A. County’s unincorporated communities. You can fill out the Census forms in the privacy of your home: Online at online at census.lacounty.gov/census/; census.lacounty.gov/census/; or call (844) 330-2020 to complete the Census over the phone. DOOR-TO-DOOR CANVASSERS Canvassers, also called enumerators, many of whom are friends and neighbors, are out registering in person. How do you identify a legitimate U.S. Census Bureau employee? Look for the following: a U.S. Census badge, a U.S. Census branded messenger bag and a U.S. Census branded laptop. If you have questions about Census-related activity in your neighborhood call (800) 923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. The data collected from the Census is used to make sure everyone is equally represented in our political system and that government resources are allocated fairly. The Census data determines how many congressional seats a state receives; how much federal funding will be allocated to local communities for public services and infrastructure needs; and provides a picture of the changing demographics of the country. WHY THE CENSUS MATTERS According to the website (census.lacounty.gov/census/) one of the most powerful things you can do for your community is to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. Held every ten years, an accurate and complete Census count is vital to Los Angeles County, as the data is used to determine how more than $675 billion in federal government resources will be distributed each year for the next decade to states and localities. Then, the Census data is used to determine where schools, roads, hospitals, child care centers, senior centers and other services should be built. “Key federal programs rely on census data to allocate funding and resources for programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Part B, highway planning and construction, Section 8 housing, Title I school grants, Special Education Grants (IDEA), State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Head Start,� the Census website states. “If people are not counted, L.A. County could risk cuts to building projects and local programs our community relies on—new hospitals, updating roads and bridges, school lunches, health clinics, immunizations for children, early childhood education, and senior nutrition programs.� For more information or to fill out the Census: census.lacounty.gov/census/