Mayor Traber Pushes Local Census Committee, Fed Funds at Stake

Census counts determine more than political clout: everyone counted represents about $3,200 in annual Federal funding for Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties.

Given the stakes, a Regional Complete Count Committee, or CCC, has been established for our tri-county area for the 2020 census. The Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG), a government services agency, has formed the committee. They are recognized by the State of Oregon as an Area Commission on Transportation and Medicaid Transfer Agency. As an Oregon intergovernmental entity, OCWCOG assists with administrative and technical support for its member governments.

In a press release, Corvallis Mayor Biff Traber, said, “It is important that our Region takes this Census seriously, as it determines how much money will flow to our Region from the Federal government over the next ten years.”

Traber, who chairs OCWCOG Board of Directors, also said, “This funding is critical for our Region’s population who rely on public transportation, schools, hospitals, senior care, and much more. Every citizen needs to be counted. Please participate.”

A press release from OCWCOG, further informs, “According to the U.S. Census Bureau, CCCs “exist to plan and implement locally-based outreach campaigns that raise awareness of the Census and ultimately increase self-response and participation rates.” U.S. Census employees are meeting with local governments and other pertinent organizations in our Region to provide more details about the Census process and timeline, in addition to the importance of CCCs. OCWCOG is an active participant in these conversations.

To increase participation across’s Tri-County Region, the Regional CCC will consist of local government representatives, community service providers, faith-based organizations, school districts, community groups, healthcare providers, and any other organization that has regular interaction with populations that are at risk to be undercounted. OCWCOG staff will be reaching out to these organizations directly in the coming months to seek their participation in the CCC.”