Resolution 15538CITY OF ALAMEDA RESOLUTION NO. 15538
IN SUPPORT OF THE 2020 CENSUS
WHEREAS, the U.S. Census Bureau is required by Article I, Section 2 of the U.S.
Constitution to conduct an accurate count of the population every ten years; and
WHEREAS, the next enumeration will be April 1, 2020 and will be the first to rely
heavily on online responses; and
WHEREAS, the primary and perpetual challenge facing the U.S. Census Bureau
is the undercount of certain population groups; and
WHEREAS, Alameda has populations unique to our island city, such as those
living on Coast Guard Island, Alameda Point, and houseboats that are residents of our
community that must be ensured inclusion in the 2020 Census count; and
WHEREAS, that challenge is amplified in California, given the size of the state and
the diversity of communities; and
WHEREAS, California has a large percentage of individuals that are considered
traditionally hard to count; and
WHEREAS, these diverse communities and demographic populations are at risk
of being not counted in the 2020 Census; and
WHEREAS, California receives nearly $77 billion in federal funding that relies, in
part, on census data; and
WHEREAS, a 5% undercount of Alameda County's population will result in a loss
of over $1.65 billion over the next 1 0 years in federal funds that go to the County and
support an array of health and social service programs locally; and
WHEREAS, a complete and accurate count of California's population is essential;
and
WHEREAS, the data collected by the decennial Census determines the number of
seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and is used to distribute
billions of dollars in federal funds to state and local governments; and
WHEREAS, the data is also used in the redistricting of state legislatures, county
boards of supervisors and city councils; and
WHEREAS, the decennial census is a massive undertaking that requires cross-
sector collaboration and partnerships in order to achieve a complete and accurate count;
and
WHEREAS, California's leaders have dedicated a historic amount of funding and
resources to ensure every Californian is counted once, only once and in the right place;
and
WHEREAS, this includes coordination between tribal, city, county, and state
governments, community-based organizations, education, and many more; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Census Bureau is facing several challenges with Census 2020,
including a constrained fiscal environment, rapidly changing use of technology, declining
response rates, and an increasingly diverse and mobile population, thus support from
partners and stakeholders is critical; and
WHEREAS, California is kicking-off its outreach and engagement efforts in April
2019 for the 2020 Census; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alameda, in partnership with Alameda County, other local
governments, the State, businesses, the school district, and community organizations, is
committed to robust outreach and communication strategies, focusing on reaching the
hardest-to-count individuals.
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Alameda
recognizes the importance of the 2020 U.S. Census and supports efforts to ensure a
complete, fair, and accurate count of all Alameda residents.
*****
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolutions was duly and
regularly adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda in a regular meeting
assembled on the 21st day of May, 2019, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers Daysog, Knox White, Oddie, Vella and
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft -5.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of
said City this 22nd day of May, 2019.
Approved as to Form: /:/
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Yibin Shen,fi(tyAttorney
City of ~J~meda
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