COLUMBIA, MD — Participation in the United States 2020 Census provides critical information for congressional redistricting, community planning and funding, and officials estimate that every Marylander not captured in the Census creates a loss of nearly $20,000 in federal funding.

That's why Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has launched "HoCo Counts," his initiative aimed at raising awareness for the United States 2020 Census, including a "Complete Count Committee" to implement a community awareness campaign and encourage full participation.

"The Census count will be critical to understanding the updated picture of our community, the needs of all our residents, and the future of our work to serve the public. We are a data-informed government, and the Census gives valuable insight into our needs for education, housing, transportation, healthcare, and more," Ball said in a statement. "We are working hard to ensure that every person is counted, and that Howard County is fully represented across our region and nationally for the strength and diversity of our community."