It’s 2020 Census time, y’all. And while many city governments have taken to social media to remind their community to fill out the important survey, one Northern Kentucky neighborhood has gone a step further and is putting their money where their mouth is.
The City of Newport announced on July 1 that they have introduced a promotion to encourage residents to fill out their Census form. Starting July 6, the city is offering weekly $50 gift card giveaways to residents who can show proof that they’ve done their part. On Oct. 1, all participants who have entered the giveaway will be eligible for a grand prize.
If you’re a Newport resident who would like to participate, post a picture with your Census form or confirmation on your social media (Facebook or Instagram) and tag @cityofnewportKY to be automatically entered. If you don’t have a social media account, email the confirmation to cityofnewport@newportky.gov. Complete the Census here.
Gift cards will be available to Kroger or Target, or a local business of the winner’s choosing.
The press release from the City of Newport explains the importance of the Census, which collects information about each community’s members in order to offer an up-to-date count of the nation’s population. These counts are what give cities the federal funding they need with respect to public housing, community development, public safety, special education programs, roads and more.
“It is incredibly important for all Newport residents to fill out the 2020 Census questionnaire and be counted,” said Newport assistant city manager Larisa Sims in the press release. “A complete and accurate county is critical for the city because the results of the 2020 Census impacts federal funding for Newport.”
For more information about the 2020 Census, visit 2020census.gov.
This article appears in The Summer Guide.