How Can Communities Challenge 2020 Census?

The release of 2020 Census data last August has allowed communities in Southeast Michigan to examine population and housing changes within their jurisdictions since the last decennial census in 2010. While numbers matched expectations in many communities, some may wonder why the new Census numbers are different from what they have anticipated or observed. If a community has cause for concern over the latest Census population or housing unit count, what option is there to have it investigated and possibly revised?

The U.S. Census Bureau has set up the 2020 Count Question Resolution (CQR) Program through which local elected officials can have their numbers formally reviewed. Following frequently asked questions and answers may help communities understand the CQR program and assess the benefit of participating in the 2020 Census Count Question Resolution Operation.

What is the 2020 Census Count Question Resolution (CQR) Operation?

The 2020 Census Count Question Resolution Operation (CQR) gives tribal, state, and local governments an opportunity to request a review of their official 2020 Census counts. The operation allows governmental units to identify potential errors related to geographic boundaries, geocoding errors, and errors that may have occurred while processing the 2020 Census results, such as correcting for duplication. While standards for making the changes are high, CQR is the final operation by which updates to the decennial census can be made. CQR requests can only be submitted by the highest elected or appointed official of a community.

What types of requests will the Census Bureau review and process through the CQR operation?

The Census Bureau will accept and review the following cases:

• Boundary Cases: Legal government unit boundaries in effect as of January 1, 2020, and the associated addresses affected by those boundaries.
• Count cases: Geographic location or placement of housing and associated population as of April 1, 2020 – errors in either their location within a block (geocoding) or their exclusion or duplication of valid housing and associated population data (coverage).

Any other cases, such as reviewing an address’s occupancy status, are outside the scope of the CQR program and will not be considered.

What is the timeline to submit a CQR review request?

The Census Bureau began accepting CQR cases on January 3, 2022 and will continue through June 30, 2023. After a governmental unit submits a CQR request, the Census Bureau aims to release the results within 90 days of the receipt.

How do governmental units submit a CQR review request?

Census Bureau’s participant material provides guidance to governmental units on how to submit a CQR request. Participants are encouraged to submit CQR cases digitally through the bureau’s Secure Web Incoming Module (SWIM).

Can the CQR operation change the official 2020 Census results?

CQR does not alter the redistricting data, apportionment results, or other 2020 Census data products. However, the CQR results will be used in the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program and other future programs that use 2020 Census data. CQR reviews that present compelling and substantiated evidence to amend the official Census 2020 data can have a meaningful impact to communities. For example, the American Community Survey (ACS) uses population totals from the Population Estimates Program.

Communities can use the revised counts for future federal funding programs. For example, during 2000 CQR operation, the City of Pontiac submitted corrections to count cases based on incorrect geographic placements and added 1,169 more people to their 2000 population count. This correction resulted in additional state and federal funding throughout the decade.

What tools are available on SEMCOG’s website to help with CQR review?

A number of data and GIS maps are available at SEMCOG’s website.

• Visit SEMCOG’s Census 2020 webpage for tools and data to gather detailed Census counts at block level.
• SEMCOG’s Building Footprints can help communities visualize and document potential miscounts.
• SEMCOG member communities can contact SEMCOG for additional questions.

Where can I get additional information on the CQR program?

• Visit the Census Bureau’s Count Question Resolution Program website.
• Contact the Census Bureau at 1-888-369-3617 or email at [email protected] . Staff is available by phone from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Voicemail messages will be returned within two business days.