Economics

The 2020 Census: Why It’s Important

Published

6 years ago

November 21, 2019

Editor’s Note: The POST Newspaper Group, in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, will publish a series of articles on the upcoming 2020 census. Readers can look forward to future articles that will provide more specific information on the census.

Tired of dealing with the potholes in your community? Wondering why there are not enough social services available in your neighborhood?

It may be because of an inaccurate census count due to hundreds of individuals who didn’t participate, and your city received less federal funding for much-needed services than it should have.

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a census count in thousands of cities, towns and communities across the nation affecting millions of people from all walks of life. The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790. The purpose of the census is three-fold:

• Accurate census counts help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.

• The results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets.

• It’s mandated by the U. S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2.

Norman Brown, who currently works in Alameda County’s Census Office, has participated in every census since 1960, and has held a wide range of positions with the agency, ranging from a clerk to managing all field operations, a post which is second in command at every census office.

“When you respond to the census, your answers are kept anonymous,” said Brown. “They are used only to produce statistics. The U.S Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. The law ensures that your private information is never published and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. The raw data and personal information will not be released to the public for 72 years, or in 2092. Confidentiality is a very important in census taking.”

The 2020 United States Census will be the nation’s twenty-fourth census. National Census Day, the reference used for the census, will be April 1, 2020. It will be the first U.S. census to offer options to respond online or by phone, in addition to the option to respond on a paper form as with previous census. In 2020, the United States population is expected to be 333,546,000, an 8.03 percent increase from the 2010 Census.

Brown says that participating in the census is not only vitally important for neighborhoods, it also provides good, temporary, part-time work for hundreds of thousands of people,

“The Bureau will be recruiting and making job offers to thousands of potential employees during January and February 2020,” said Brown. “Census employees working throughout Alameda County can expect to receive a minimum of $20.00 per hour.”

To be eligible for a 2020 Census job, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Have a valid social security number.

• Be a U.S. citizen.

• Have a valid email address.

• Complete an application and answer assessment questions.

• Be registered with the Selective Service System or have a qualifying exemption, if you are a male born after Dec. 31, 1959.

• Pass a census-performed criminal background check and a review of criminal records, including fingerprinting.

• Commit to complete training.

• Be available to work flexible hours, which can include days, evenings, and/or weekends.

By Clifford L. Williams

Posts by By Clifford L. Williams

Related Topics:2020 census By Clifford L. Williams The POST Newspaper Group U.S. Census Bureau

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Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

2 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  