In a recent meeting of the Massachusetts Senate Committee on the Census, discussions highlighted significant concerns regarding the accuracy of census data, particularly in small and rural communities. The meeting, held on September 22, 2025, focused on the challenges faced by towns in complying with census requirements and the implications of undercounting.

One key point raised was the status of approximately 70 communities that have not fully complied with census data submissions. Questions arose about whether these communities are predominantly small, rural areas, which often lack the resources and infrastructure to effectively manage Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other data collection tools. The committee acknowledged that while they track submissions from individual towns, the reasons for non-compliance remain unclear.

The conversation also touched on the capabilities of these towns in utilizing GIS technology. Although some towns have access to GIS systems and staff trained in data management, there is a lack of transparency regarding their expertise and the quality of data they can provide. This gap in knowledge raises concerns about the reliability of census data, which is crucial for resource allocation and representation.

Grace Banash, the town clerk of Groton and former clerk of Shootsbury, shared her firsthand experience of undercounting during the 2020 census. She emphasized that small towns like Shootsbury often face challenges that lead to inaccurate population counts, which can have lasting effects on funding and political representation.

The committee expressed gratitude for the insights shared by Banash and other participants, recognizing the importance of accurate census data for all communities. As the meeting concluded, there was a clear call for continued engagement and collaboration to address these issues and ensure that every community is accurately represented in future census counts.

The discussions underscored the critical need for improved support and resources for small towns to enhance their data collection capabilities, ultimately aiming to rectify the discrepancies observed in the 2020 census. The committee's commitment to addressing these challenges signals a proactive approach to ensuring equitable representation and resource distribution across Massachusetts.