Citizens of Gila County are at risk of an undercount in their once a decade census numbers as the coronavirus pandemic continues to reshape a new normal for residents. County and City of Globe officials are now urging residents to take a moment and fill out the 2020 census. Residents began receiving document in mid-March and the number of responses will determine the allocation of much-needed federal funding.

The census influences decisions on the allocation of billions of dollars to local communities for essential services like health care, education, roads, bridges, first responders and law enforcement. At press time, statistics for self-response by phone, mail or internet counts 44.5 percent for the entire state of Arizona, 41.5 percent for Globe, 25.3 percent for Miami, and .1 percent for San Carlos.

“Our numbers will reflect how 55 federally funded programs are distributed,” said City of Globe’s Michelle Yerkovich. “The money is there. If you want it to come back to us, you have to fill out the census.”

“Programs that supply free lunch for area kids, needed school programs, hospital funding, and new roads are all reflected on how we file.”

The Census Bureau has suspended field operations due to the spread of the coronavirus in turn affecting response rates. The outbreak is also keeping advocacy and civic groups from conducting face-to-face outreach, which is considered the most effective way of encouraging census participation.

Yerkovich has been key in the planning of several census related events that have all been cancelled due to the virus. “It’s pretty disappointing,” said Yerkovich. “But now we have to really get creative in order to make up those numbers.” Stressing a needed presence by millennials and Gen Xer’s, Yerkovich has taken to social media to attempt to reach that missing demographic. “We can’t stress it enough how just one person can make an impact on the funding we will receive.”

To respond to the 2020 census online, visit 2020census.gov. Residents can also mail forms sent to homes across the county. If a citizen does not have an internet connection, the wifi is still available in the Globe library parking lot. “The questionnaire is so easy it can be done on a phone,” said Yerkovich.

For more information or help filling out the census citizens are welcome to contact Michelle Yerkovich at Globe City Hall or 928-961-0117.