In a recent meeting of the Massachusetts Senate Committee on the Census, officials outlined critical preparations for the upcoming 2028 census, emphasizing the importance of accurate address data collection. The committee discussed the integration of various data sources, including the UMass Donahue Institute and the Massachusetts Geographic Information System (MassGIS), to enhance the accuracy of the state's master address list.

A significant focus was placed on the address cleanup process, which involves comparing multiple databases to ensure that all residential and commercial addresses are correctly recorded. This meticulous effort is crucial, especially in light of recent zoning changes in Cambridge that could lead to thousands of new housing units. The city council's decision to eliminate exclusionary single-family zoning is expected to increase the number of available housing units, making accurate data collection even more vital.

The committee highlighted the collaboration between different city departments, such as the Department of Public Works (DPW) and community development, to track new addresses and housing units effectively. This teamwork is essential for managing the growing population, particularly in areas with a high concentration of students from local universities.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the challenges of duplicate street names and the need for coordination with neighboring municipalities to avoid double counting addresses that straddle city boundaries. The officials expressed confidence in their current address database, which they believe is comprehensive and ready for the upcoming Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program.

As the state gears up for the 2028 census, these discussions underscore the importance of accurate data collection in shaping community resources and planning for future growth. The committee's proactive approach aims to ensure that every resident is counted, ultimately impacting funding and services for Massachusetts communities.