HURON — “The goal of the census is to get a complete and accurate count of everyone in the U.S.,” said Jake Droge Wednesday afternoon.

“Our goal here today is to begin coming up with the strategies that will make sure that nobody in Huron gets overlooked in this year’s census.”

Droge, who is a census Partnership Specialist from Sioux Falls, went over some of the highlights of this year’s count and, with the assistance of City of Huron Planning Director Barry Cranston, set the foundation for the Complete Count Committee (CCC) that will coordinate the effort in Huron.

“It’s important that we reach out to everyone regarding the census and explain the importance of having a complete and accurate count,” Droge said.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the census is the dollars that are returned to a community. “Many programs rely on census data to decide where those federal funds go,” he added.

An annual total of $675 billion is dispensed using census data, funding for roads, bridges, city infrastructure, Medicaid and SNAP and much more.

In addition, the census is used to examine legislative districts on the local, state and national level. Population growth, decline or any other change, may lead to redistricting.

This year will be the first in which the census will be conducted online, with people logging on to a website to enter information. Droge said that it is possible for businesses and other organizations to set up terminals, to encourage their customers to complete the entry process, for those who may not have internet access.

“Using the online version may be scary for some people,” Droge allowed. “That’s another reason to get the word out that the time is coming and to answer questions ahead of time.”

Paper census forms will be available as well, he said, in multiple languages.

Droge noted that Huron has been classified as a Tier 1 community in the state, although he couldn’t pinpoint what that designation stood for.

“I asked that question about Vermillion and Yankton, which are Tier 1 as well and getting a definitive answer is difficult. The best I can tell you is that it means Huron is High Priority.”

He said it is possible that Huron is on the Tier 1 list due to its diverse population, including deep Karen and Hispanic groups.

He also noted that in the 2010 census, a sizeable count area - from Market Road to 9th Street and from the east side of the S.D. State Fairgrounds to Simmons Ave., registered only a 23.2 percent response.

Questions on how to contact the hard-to-account-for groups in an area is a goal of the CCC, and ideas on connecting with the diverse population were discussed.

Droge stressed that all of the information contained on the census is secure and confidential “for 72 years,” and that while a telephone number is part of the form, the number is solely for verification and back checking with any questions.

“The census is by address, not by name,” he said. “Basically, if you get mail at an address, you will receive notice of the census.

A loose timeline has reminder postcards going out prior to the online site going live - “right now they are looking at mid-March” with follow ups scheduled after the site is refreshed and any missed addresses are discovered.

Droge also noted that some questions early on had revolved around a possible citizenship question, but that the question is not included in the 2020 census.

“It’s important for people to understand that this is data that is not shared with anyone else other than the census bureau,” Droge said. “Statistics and demographics are reported, but there is nothing personal going to any federal agency.”

Important Dates

February-June — Residents of shelters, nursing homes, prisons and other group housing are counted.

March - online census site goes live and residents are called to respond. Watch the Plainsman or Plainsman.com for website information when available.

Mid-April through July — Follow-up to non-responding address to make sure that all are included.

July 31 - Census is complete.

Dec. 31 — Census is sent to President, so that work may begin on any needed governmental redistricting.

For anyone interested in helping make sure everyone in Huron is accounted for, contact Barry Cranston, at 353-8500.