Chicago announces new efforts to boost 2020 Census participation

FILE - The U.S. Census logo appears on census materials received in the mail with an invitation to fill out census information online on March 19, 2020 in San Anselmo, California. (Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Chicago officials are turning to texting and a roving van providing Wi-Fi access to encourage participation in the U.S. Census.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the programs on Friday. The coronavirus pandemic has prevented more traditional efforts of encouraging participation, including in-person canvassing and group events.

Chicago Cares, a nonprofit working with the city, created a program that lets Chicagoans volunteer to text other residents and encourage them to complete the census.

The city also plans to use a neon green van dubbed a “mobile Census center” that will travel to food banks, face mask distribution sites and other events and provide Wi-Fi access to let people complete the Census digitally.

According to city officials, 53% of Chicagoans have responded to the Census so far. That’s short of Lightfoot’s 75% goal and the 66% participation rate during the last Census.

“Now more than ever it is critical for Chicago’s residents to fill out their Census forms and make themselves count,” Lightfoot said.