If You Care About How Census Changes Impact Arts & Culture

The federal government is proposing major changes to how the decennial U.S. Census collects
information, including:


  1. Removing all race and ethnicity questions.
  2. New residence rules that require the government to determine everyone's immigration status and count only U.S. citizens and green card holders toward each state's seats in Congress.
  3. New residence rules that change how the census decides where you live.

These changes are being made through the Federal Register, which allows federal agencies to propose and implement policy changes.  

Federal agencies are required to accept public input before finalizing regulatory changes. That means you have an opportunity to speak out and help shape the future of the Census, but you must do so by November 2!

Submit your comment now!

We recommend adding a few sentences that are personal to you, and how these changes will impact your communities directly.

Public Comment Preview

I am submitting this comment in opposition to the Census Bureau's proposed rule on residence criteria and demographic questions for the decennial census, 91 FR 57524 (Sept. 10, 2026). This rule makes significant changes to the 2030 Census, including the exclusion of race and ethnicity questions and the possible inclusion of a citizenship or immigration status question. Excluding race and ethnicity data markers from the census and adding a citizenship question could leave communities that are home to rich cultural traditions, artists, and community-based arts organizations undercounted or invisible.  

The Census helps policymakers determine the distribution of more than $2.8 trillion a year across roughly 350 federal programs. It also informs how states distribute resources. Arts and cultural organizations support local jobs and businesses, offer young people safe and enriching places to learn, and bring neighbors together. Race and ethnicity data shows which communities live where, so organizations can offer programs in the right languages, reach people who are often overlooked, and show funders the need. Without that data, organizations spend limited budgets filling the gaps themselves, and communities in cities, suburbs, and rural areas lose programs that serve everyone.