The Senate Committee on the Census convened on September 22, 2025, to discuss preparations for the upcoming 2030 census, emphasizing the importance of an accurate count for representation and federal funding in Massachusetts. The meeting, attended by several committee members, aimed to build awareness and identify legislative actions that could support municipalities in ensuring a complete address list for the census.

Chairman Brownsberger opened the hearing by highlighting the critical role of the census in determining congressional representation and federal funding allocations based on population data. He noted that the preparation for the census involves creating a comprehensive address list of housing units across the state, which serves as the foundation for the enumeration process.

The committee acknowledged past challenges, particularly referencing the 1990 census, which prompted the establishment of the Local Update of Census Addresses program. This initiative allows municipalities to review and update the census address list to enhance accuracy.

John Rosenberry from the Secretary of State's office provided insights into ongoing outreach efforts aimed at engaging all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. He stressed that while the census is still five years away, preparations are already intensifying to ensure a successful count.

The meeting also featured contributions from key partners, including the UMass Donahue Institute and Mass GIS, who collaborate with municipalities to support the census preparation efforts. The committee's discussions underscored the collective responsibility of state and local governments in achieving a complete and accurate census count, which is vital for the commonwealth's representation and funding.

As the committee continues its work, the focus remains on fostering collaboration and addressing any potential challenges that may arise in the lead-up to the 2030 census. The next steps will involve further engagement with municipalities and ongoing assessments of outreach strategies to ensure every resident is counted.