In a recent meeting of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, discussions centered on the critical role of the U.S. Census Bureau and the implications of undercounting specific communities, particularly Black and brown populations. The meeting highlighted concerns that undercounts could lead to misallocation of federal resources, exacerbating issues such as affordable housing and transportation in these communities.

Director Santos emphasized that undercounting not only affects federal funding but also skews the understanding of community needs. This misrepresentation can hinder economic development, as businesses rely on accurate population data to assess labor availability and infrastructure requirements. The discussion pointed to a broader societal impact, suggesting that inaccuracies in census data could affect everything from community assessments to the placement of retail shops.

A significant point raised was the need for the 2030 census to incorporate contingency plans for natural disasters and political interference, particularly in undercounted areas. Santos noted that the Bureau is leveraging administrative records and planning