Planning Assistance in Action

by John Watson, IV, Census Outreach Coordinator with Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

The Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) launched its Census Champions program in early June. It recognizes members of the community who are going above and beyond working within their jurisdictions to spread awareness of the importance of participating in the 2020 Census. To date seventeen champions have been named! 

Award winners are spotlighted on the Maryland Census 2020 website, in the newsletter, and receive recognition in the form of a certificate and personalized letter from Planning Secretary Robert McCord they may proudly display.  

Anyone, not just local Complete Count Committees, can submit a nomination to recognize an individual, group, or organization that is helping to make a difference. The Census Champion campaign will run throughout the response period, ending on October 31, 2020. There is no limit on the number of nominations a county may submit for consideration. 

Whether a community member, a local business owner, faith-leader, a non-profit organization, college professor, or a member of your county school board, we want to thank those who are shaping Maryland’s future for the better by encouraging participation in the 2020 Census.  

To download a copy of the Census Champions Nomination form, visit the Maryland Census 2020 website. For more information about the 2020 Census, please contact Kristin Fleckenstein, Director of Public Affairs at kristin.fleckenstein@maryland.gov.