Mayor Bob Donchez, wants to remind all resident of the city to fill out the U.S. census form and make sure friends, family, and neighbors are also counted. Residents can respond to the form by mail, by phone, and for the first time, online until Sept. 30.

The U.S. Constitution requires a census count every ten years, and documents population increases, decreases, and changes in community demographics. Those statistics are then used to decide how many seats each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives and determines the amount of federal funding Pennsylvania, and the City of Bethlehem receives for essential programs and services, including health care, food assistance, education, transportation, housing, community development, and more.

“At this time, I am asking those Bethlehem residents who have not yet responded, to take 10 minutes out of their schedules to respond to the 2020 Census, whether by phone, mail, or online. We need everyone’s help to ensure that our City, and the Lehigh Valley, receives their fair share of federal public funding and influence,” said Donchez.

Bethlehem residents who have not responded to the 2020 census should expect a census enumerator to contact them in person or over the phone. All census workers must carry a valid ID badge with their photo, U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date. Residents can call 800-923-8282 to check if a visitor works for the census.

Residents do not need to be concerned about safety and security, as Census answers can’t be used against an individual, and data security is managed by security experts operating at the highest levels. Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot release any information that identifies individuals, and anyone who breaks this law faces a fine of up to $250,000 and/or up-to five years in prison.

Your voice matters in shaping Bethlehem’s future. For more information and resources related to the 2020 U.S. Census, please visit pa.gov/census.

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