The U.S. Census Bureau has released the initial version of its operational plan for the 2030 Census, outlining major activities and strategies for the next decennial count. The document, referred to as “Baseline 1,” provides an overview of how the agency will approach tasks such as identifying addresses, encouraging participation, collecting and processing data, researching results, and preparing census products.
According to the Census Bureau, the plan is designed to build on lessons learned from the 2020 Census while aiming for greater efficiency in operations. The plan includes steps to establish where people live, ensure accurate counting across all living situations, and apply research to understand the quality of census results.
“Plan and manage. Plan and design operations and follow disciplined program management practices to effectively prepare for and conduct the census.
Provide solutions. Manage and execute the planning, design, development, testing, security, and operational support for IT solutions required to conduct the census.
Provide infrastructure. Provide services, staffing, workspace and environment needed to develop, test, secure and conduct the census.”
The agency also announced that future versions of this operational plan will offer more detailed information as preparations progress. As part of this iterative process, a large-scale test is scheduled for 2026 followed by a dress rehearsal in 2028. These efforts are intended to inform ongoing improvements before finalizing procedures for 2030.
The Census Bureau’s new interactive tool allows stakeholders to explore elements of Baseline 1 in greater detail online.
“Baseline 1 builds upon the successes of the 2020 Census, with further improvements to increase efficiencies. The plan incorporates research, small-scale testing and public feedback to date. The Census Bureau is set to carry out the 2026 Census Test and 2028 Census Dress Rehearsal to inform subsequent, more detailed versions of the plan. This iterative approach will give the Census Bureau an evidence-based design for the 2030 Census.”
The release marks an early step in a multi-year effort aimed at ensuring a comprehensive population count in 2030.
