By Dani Patel, NLIHC Strategic Partnerships & Campaigns Intern
NLIHC is urging national, state, local, and Tribal organizations to join an organizational sign-on letter opposing a proposed U.S. Census Bureau rule change that threatens the accuracy and inclusivity of decennial census data. Accurate census data are essential to understanding communities’ needs and informing policies and resources that support low-income households and affordable housing. The letter focuses on the foreseeable negative impacts on housing policy if the proposed Census changes are adopted.
NLIHC urges organizations to sign on by 11:00 am ET on November 2, 2026, to help oppose the proposed rule and protect an accurate Census.
On September 10, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau published a proposed rule outlining significant possible changes to the 2030 Census (see Memo, 10/5). The U.S. Constitution requires a count of all people residing in the United States every ten years, including both citizens and noncitizens. Census data determine each state’s representation in the U.S. House of Representatives and inform the distribution of federal funding for programs such as the Community Development Block Grant.
If finalized, the proposed rule would exclude counting individuals who are not U.S. citizens or green card holders for the purposes of determining congressional representation; prohibit questions on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation; and change how a person’s “usual residence” is determined. These changes could lead to inaccurate population counts, undermining congressional representation and federal funding. Eliminating race and ethnicity questions would also end more than 230 years of collecting these data through the decennial Census.
Take Action!
The deadline for public comments is November 2, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
- Add your organization to the NLIHC sign-on letter here by 11:00 am ET on November 2, 2026!
- In addition to joining NLIHC’s organizational sign-on letter, organizations and advocates are encouraged to submit a public comment opposing the proposed rule by 11:59 pm ET on November 2, 2026.
- Advocates can also register for the Hands Off Our Census Weekly Briefing to learn more about the proposed changes and participate in efforts to protect accurate Census data.
For additional background on the proposed rule, potential consequences, and additional resources, read NLIHC’s brief analysis of the proposed Census rule.