EVENT RECAP | August 2024
Census Roundtable Discussion in The Rio Grande Valley
This regionally focused conversation, co-hosted by the Texas Census Institute, US Census Bureau, LUPE, RGV FOCUS and Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, served as a vital platform for local stakeholders to discuss the significance of the census and the importance of local input in shaping the strategy for census engagement in advance of the 2030 Census. The event brought together diverse voices from across the four-county region, as well as the US Census Bureau, to share insights, strategies, and best practices for maximizing participation in the upcoming census. Complimented by information from the Texas Demographic Center, this conversation served as a jumping off point for future activities that will prepare South Texas for a more accurate census.
RGV Event: Aug 22, 2024
In partnership with LUPE, Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, US Census Bureau & RGV Focus
Hosts and Speakers
Angela Broyes, President & CEO, Texas Census Institute – LinkedIn
Brian De Vos, Decennial Program Manager, US Census Bureau – LinkedIn
Christie Hernandez, Field Partnership Specialist, US Census Bureau – LinkedIn
Judy Quisenberry, Executive Director, Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation
Key Takeaways:
Collaboration is Crucial: Strong partnerships are essential for improving census efforts in the RGV and ensuring accurate data collection.
Census Performance Drives Economic Development: The presentations underscored the critical connection between accurate census counts and increased regional funding for economic development. In 2020, the RGV experienced an estimated undercount of -17,695 young children which led to a 10 year loss of $159 million in federal funding programs that would benefit children aged 0-4.
Research is Critical for Engaging Historically Undercounted Communities: In partnership with UTRGV, the Texas Census Institute will provide valuable insights into the potential determinants of the undercount at a local level. This research will enable the development of predictive models to guide more effective and targeted outreach efforts.
Event Material
For more information about the event or our work in the Rio Grande Valley, please contact Angela Broyles, angela@texascensus.org
