The following 2020 Census Office report for December 2019 includes updates about the selected Northwest region Regional Intermediary, State temporary census work rule changes, 2020 Census Grant Program Regional Intermediary Orientation, and the updated 2020 Census timeline.
Northwest Region
In response to the 2020 Census Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Northwest region, two complete applications were submitted by the November 4th, 2019 deadline. The applications were reviewed and scored through a merit-based review process. Illinois Public Health Association was selected to serve the Northwest region which includes, JoDaviess, Carroll, Whiteside, Lee, LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, Henry, Mercer and Rock Island Counties. The organization joins over 20 organizations across the state who have been awarded grants to maximize Illinois' success in the 2020 Census. These grants, totaling over $20 million dollars, represent the largest census investment made by any state in 2019.
Benefit Rule Changes
The US Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count. The recruitment goal for Illinois is 77,000 people for a variety of temporary part-time and full-time positions, including census takers, recruitment assistants, office staff, and supervisory staff, from now until July 2020. To assist with recruitment efforts and increase the number of trusted messengers in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Human Services filed emergency and permanent rules that will allow people to earn income from temporary census employment without adversely effecting benefits like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and child care. The Department of Health and Family Services clarified in its policy that temporary employment, including for the US Census Bureau, will not be factored in to assess eligibility for State medical insurance.
2020 Census Grant Program Regional Intermediary Orientation
On November 20, 2019, the Census Office held a day-long orientation in Chicago for all 31 RIs. During the orientation RIs were provided an overview of the 2020 Census Grant Program, reporting requirements, and utilizing data for greater impact. The RIs were also provided time to connect and collaborate with organizations from across the state and those working within their region.
2020 Census Activity Timeline
The chart below combines and details upcoming census activities of both the 2020 Census Office and the U.S. Census Bureau:
| Activity |
Date |
| 30 Regional Intermediaries (RIs) Announced |
October 18, 2019 |
| RIs select local organizations within their region to provide subgrants |
October 18 - November 20, 2019 (rolling basis if gaps identified) |
| NOFO posted for Northwest region |
October 18, 2019 |
| NOFO closed for Northwest region |
November 4, 2019 |
| Northwest region RI Announced |
November 16, 2019 |
| 2020 Census Grant Program Regional Intermediary Orientation |
November 20, 2019 |
| RIs work plan implementation begins and contracts with subrecipients executed |
December 2- December 13, 2019 |
| USCB invitation to respond to 2020 Census |
March 12-20, 2020 |
| 2020 Census Office determines further need/gaps and provide grants to address |
By March 31, 2020 |
| USCB reminder letter to complete census |
March 16-24, 2020 |
| USCB Reminder postcard mailed |
March 26-April 3, 2020 |
| USCB Reminder letter and paper questionnaire |
April 8-16th 2020 |
| USCB final reminder postcard mailed |
April 20-27, 2020 |
| USCB follow-up in person enumerator |
May-July 2020 |
| RI and subrecipient outreach and education efforts conclude |
July 2020 |
| USCB delivers census count to President and Congress |
December 2020 |
| USCB delivers redistricting counts to the State |
March 2021 |
