Rapid Response Data Briefing: 2026 Census Test

Webinar

Monday , February 23, 2026

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm ET

Hosted By:

dataindex.us

Association of Public Data Users

Population Reference Bureau

The Census Project

The Leadership Conference Education Fund

Fair Count

Did you know that planning for the 2030 Census is already underway, and a critical test – the 2026 Census Test – has been announced. Unfortunately, many of the plans for that test have been scaled back. The Federal Register Notice — accepting public comments until March 5, 2026 — offers an important opportunity to weigh in on that test.

Join our Rapid Response Data Briefing to learn what's in the 2026 Census Test, why it’s important, the risks it’s facing, and how you can support this essential step toward the 2030 Census.

Featuring:

Rachel Cortes, Chief Demographer, Claritas

Mary Jo Mitchell, Co-Director, The Census Project

Meeta Anand, Senior Director of Census & Data Equity, The Leadership Conference Education Fund

Dr. Jeanine Abrams McLean, President, Fair Count

Meghan Maury, former Senior Advisor for Data Policy at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Beth Jarosz, Vice President of the Association of Public Data Users (moderator)


Webinar Recording

Resources

Submit your comment by Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:59pm ET here.

Census Counts and the National League of Cities are hosting a virtual briefing on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4-5pm ET. Register for 2026 Census Test - Changes and Implications for the 2030 Census here.

Multiple groups are submitting comment letters that offer the opportunity to sign on. The Census Project describes two of the letters below.

For a quick summary of the issues, Population Reference Bureau has a new blog Newly Unveiled Plans for the 2030 Census Test Suggest Trouble Ahead.

Slide-Deck-Rapid-Response-Data-Briefing-2026-Census-Test.pdf
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