The 2020 U.S. census is still two years away, but it has already generated a large amount of national attention and controversy — particularly after the Trump administration’s announcement in March that it would ask respondents about their immigration status.
Responding to that and to other changes, Salt Lake City recently approved funding for a full-time employee who will work specifically to coordinate the census in an effort to ensure responses even among traditionally hard-to-count populations.
“These numbers turn into political power and economic power,” said Pamela Perlich, director of demographic research for the Kem C.