Proposed Changes to the 2030 Census Could Impact Special Districts

The U.S. Census Bureau has proposed new regulations for the 2030 Decennial Census that could change who is counted, how population data is collected, and how census results are used. Proposed changes include redefining “usual residence,” potentially excluding certain noncitizens from the count, removing questions about race and ethnicity, and establishing a January 3–April 1 enumeration period.

Why It Matters to Special Districts

Accurate census data is essential for effective public service planning and decision-making. Special districts rely on population data to anticipate community growth, plan infrastructure investments, allocate resources, and deliver critical services, including water, wastewater, fire protection, libraries, emergency services, and flood control.

Changes to census counting methods could affect population estimates used by cities, counties, and special districts to plan for future needs and inform funding decisions. Inaccurate or incomplete counts could leave communities and the districts serving them without the data needed to make informed decisions.

NSDA’s Position

The National Special Districts Association (NSDA) supports accurate and comprehensive population counts that help cities, counties, and special districts understand the communities they serve. Reliable census data is critical to sound planning, responsible resource allocation, and the delivery of essential public services.

NSDA will continue monitoring developments related to the 2030 Census and encourages special districts to stay informed about proposed changes that could affect their communities and operations.

Learn More: Read the proposed rule in the Federal Register

Public Comment Deadline: November 2, 2026, following an extension announced by the Census Bureau.