COVID-19 Undermines Houston’s Unprecedented Census Investment

The outbreak could mean more of the region’s population won’t be counted, as millions of dollars of federal funds are on the line.

By Elizabeth TrovallMarch 30, 2020 9:30 amCoronavirus, Government & Politics, Health & Science, Houston Public Media, Partner Organizations, The Texas Newsroom

Courtesy of Fariha Riaz

CHAT census canvasser Fariha Riaz makes calls to residents in Southwest Houston from her home workspace.

From Houston Public Media:

This is the first installment of a two-part feature on how COVID-19 could impact the sentence. Click here for the second installment.

The 2020 Census count kicked off this month — and both Houston and Harris County are spending more money than ever to ensure that it’s accurate. The concern is that certain vulnerable communities will be undercounted, which could cause the city to lose out on vital federal funds.

And now, there’s another factor at play, which could interfere with a complete census count: COVID-19.

Read more.