CULLMAN, Ala. – The country is well into census season, but lots of folks still have not filled out and returned their forms, either online or by mail. The COVID-19 shutdown has disrupted schedules of every kind, so the federal government has extended the census deadline to Aug. 14.
As census participation affects numerous things like federal funding for roads and schools, the City of Cullman and Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) want to see as many Cullmanites as possible complete and return their forms, either online or by mail, for those who have received paper forms. To encourage participation, Cullman and Good Hope are even offering entries in drawings for gift cards and certificates to those who send in the confirmation numbers they receive after filling out the online form.
In order to facilitate the process, CEDA has hired a temporary staffer to help Cullman area residents. Paden Adams is available by phone at 256-775-7235 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to assist residents with completing their forms; she can direct callers to online resources, and can also fill out the online census form for callers who need extra help. When she fills out the online form, she can provide callers in Cullman and Good Hope with the confirmation numbers they need to enter those cities’ gift card/certificate contests.
CEDA is also working on ideas like drive-through census locations using wireless devices for online form completion.
A little over half of U.S. citizens have responded
The current nationwide 2020 Census response rate is 53.7%. Alabama’s overall response rate is 52%.
Cullman County’s response rate is 52.8%. Municipalities’ and communities’ rates are as follows as of Monday, April 27.
- Baileyton – 47.8%
- Berlin – 49.4%
- Colony – 48%
- Cullman – 56.7%
- Fairview – 58.6%
- Garden City – 25.3%
- Good Hope – 58.2%
- Hanceville – 48.9%
- Holly Pond – 50.2%
- South Vinemont – 36.7%
- West Point – 56.5%
For census help, contact Paden Adams at 256-775-7235 or email census@cullmanal.gov.
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