With the 2020 Census on the horizon, the Troup Census 2020 Complete Count Committee is working together to let people know what the census does and why it is important.

The 2020 Census will reach local mailboxes in late March, and higher participation could potentially mean millions of additional dollars in federal funds available to Troup County for projects like roads, parks and virtually anything that involves grant funding.

Turnout for the 2010 Census varied widely within the county, with one section in the City of LaGrange reporting just 67.2 percent participation by household and the highest reporting section 85.1 percent participation. 

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 76.7 percent of Troup County households mailed back a 2010 census questionnaire. 

The group also hopes that beginning a conversation about the census and advertising its importance will encourage higher turnout in 2020. The complete count committee also wants to let people know what the census does not do — namely, information reported on the census is not shared with law enforcement or other government agencies. 

The census committee plans to further inform the public about the 2020 Census through digital signs, fliers, announcements at meetings, coordination with local churches and schools, information in utility bills and other efforts.

To learn more about the 2020 Census, visit Census.gov.