Summary
The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring workers for a major census test in six states. This test aims to improve the national population count process for the 2030 census. There are concerns about delays in hiring and budget issues.
Key Facts
- The next full U.S. census is scheduled for 2030.
- The Census Bureau is conducting a "2026 Census Test" in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
- The test will help develop better methods to count populations, especially groups that are usually undercounted, like young children and renters.
- Recruiting for census workers started on a specific Monday.
- The Commerce Department called this a "mission critical priority" for the 2030 census.
- Concerns about recruiting enough workers were raised due to a hiring freeze and budget uncertainties.
- There are issues with transparency and communication about the test's progress and plans.
- The Census Bureau plans to experiment with using U.S. Postal Service mail carriers for census interviews.
