“It’s extremely important that all of our citizens respond to the Census so that we get a full count,” said former Mayor Jerramiah Healy.  “If all of our residents respond to the Census, I feel my opinion will be born out and we’ll be the largest city in the state, therefore getting our lion’s share for federal aid and our share of proper representation in Congress.”

The event will also highlight the local Census jobs currently available. Census taker positions are part-time, temporary employment paying up to $22 per hour and funded by the U.S. Census Bureau. The data all Census workers collect is used to determine how over $800 billion in federal, state and local money for programs like Medicaid, Head Start, WIC, SNAP, housing vouchers, educational grants, Community Block Grants, Title 1, and more is distributed among communities throughout the nation. The government also uses the Census data to apportion representation in the United States House of Representatives.

“I want the people to register for the Census so that Jersey City can finally be named the largest in New Jersey.  We were only 4,000 residents short 10 years ago,” said former Mayor Joseph Rakowski.

Beginning March 12, 2020, the Census Bureau will mail a unique user ID to most U.S. households. This will allow heads of households to complete the form online, by mail, or by phone ahead of Census Day, which is April 1, 2020.

“The census is very important for Jersey City’s financial future and our representation on a federal level,” said former Mayor L. Harvey Smith who is participating in the Census events Wednesday. 

“Every Mayor has dedicated much of their career to the betterment of Jersey City – the people, the culture, the infrastructure, and all other critical aspects.  I think this upcoming Census will greatly benefit as we are showing a united front to help the community understand the importance of an accurate count,” concluded Mayor Fulop.