Release Date: September 10,2020
City of Akron Hosting Neighborhood Census Events to Encourage an Accurate and Complete Count of Akron Residents in Final Days of 2020 Census
Akron, Ohio, September 10, 2020 — Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan has announced three upcoming events aimed at boosting Akron’s Census response numbers. The first of three events is scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 12th outside of Leggett CLC (333 E. Thornton St.) from 11 am - 2 pm.
"Having a complete Census count is vital to sustaining the resources and services that we provide our citizens each and every day,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “I cannot stress enough how important it is for every person living in Akron to be accurately counted. I urge anyone who has not yet filled out their Census to attend one of these upcoming events and spread the word to your family, friends, and neighbors.”
As local communities and states continue to confront the challenges brought by COVID-19, the constitutional obligation to deliver an accurate 2020 Census has never been more urgent or imperative. Residents who have not completed their 2020 Census are encouraged to come to these neighborhood Census event to fill out their responses. The City’s Showmobile will be on site and there will be iPads available to complete the Census online. Volunteers will be present who can assist with any questions. There will also be hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes available. Participants and volunteers will be asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Thanks to generous donations from local sponsors—John Blickle, President of Rubber City Arches, Glen Stephens, President of G. Stephens Inc., and Sam’s Club-Chapel Hill—the City will be providing complimentary snacks and beverages and free gift cards for participants at the events, while supplies last. The City will provide music and free reusable masks for participants as well.
Upcoming City of Akron Census Events:
Saturday, Sept. 12 at Leggett CLC (333 E. Thornton St.) 11 am – 2 pm
Saturday, Sept. 19 at Helen Arnold CLC (450 Vernon Odom Blvd.) 11 am -2 pm
Saturday, Sept. 26 at The Well CDC (647 E. Market St.) 11 am – 2 pm
The Census helps determine how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities like Akron every year. It also impacts planning and funding for education, healthcare, roads, transportation, and more. Akron’s self-response rate is currently under 65%, with only a few more weeks of data collection remaining before the September 30 deadline. If Akron is under-counted, it could mean a decrease in funding for important community programming and projects, as well as under-representation at the federal level.
For any updates to the Census events please follow the City of Akron Mayor’s Office on Facebook at Facebook.com/AkronOhio.