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 for housing policy if the proposed Census changes are adopted.
Leader Stacey Abrams wrote about the importance of accurate Census data in her recent “Assembly Notes by Stacey Abrams.” Citing some of NLIHC’s research, she reminded us that people are behind these numbers and helped to make the connection between Census data and housing affordability. Check it out!
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.
Use Hands Off Our Census comment template or another template from this resource page to draft your own comment opposing the rule.
Additional resources are also available on the Leadership Conference's "Road Map to the 2030 Census" information page.
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.
Read “Introducing Our Census Series: Think the Rent is Too High? The Census Has Something to Do With it.” by Stacey Abrams.