Census Bureau Announces 2030 Planning Schedule

The US Census Bureau is preparing for the 2030 census with several launches, including that of an online tool giving the public access to information about the 50-plus research projects being conducted.

The Bureau has launched dozens of research projects designed to help guide the building and implementation of innovations for the next decennial Census. These projects fall under five categories: data collection; 'modernize group quarters enumeration'; integration of data collection and processing in near real time; 'streamline operational support infrastructure'; and continuous data collection and aggregation.

The strategy will include small-scale testing to enable the bureau to quickly assess methods and systems and see whether they need more extensive field testing. Additionally, the Bureau will conduct two major field tests to prepare for 2030: the first, on April 1st 2026, will test innovative systems and methods to ensure feasibility and cohesive design, while collecting data for future response and cost models for census operations. The second, on April 1st 2028, will serve as a 'dry run' of operations, and will be the last chance to fine-tune processes and systems before they are implemented for the 2030 survey itself.

The bureau is also releasing an updated timeline showing the lead-up to the next census. Deborah Stempowski (pictured), AD for Decennial Census Programs, comments: 'The 2030 research and testing strategy reflects this decade's focus on enhancements, specifically building upon the 2020 Census design. Since many methods and systems were validated in 2020 through successful implementation, our focus is now on adding research-driven enhancements that will lead to an even more successful decennial census'.

Web site: www.census.gov .