Federal Data Users

You've probably heard that the Bureau has dramatically scaled back the 2026 Test - under the direction of the administration. They're basically knee-capping the Bureau's ability to improve their processes, test innovations that will save money and increase accuracy. 

The Census Quality Reinforcement (CQR) Task Force has prepared a comment letter regarding changes to the 2026 Census Test to submit to the recent Federal Register notice "2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census." We will be accepting both individual and organizational sign-ons.

The letter reflects deep concern that the 2026 Census Test, now deliberately reduced in scope, lacks the methodological rigor that a reliable 2030 Census demands. By compromising the breadth and depth of pre‑census testing, it undermines the ability of the test to provide valid and essential evidence in support of an accurate and trustworthy decennial population count. If the integrity of our nation's core statistical enterprise is to be preserved, the Census Bureau must reinstate a comprehensive testing regime that prioritizes data quality over short‑term constraints.

In sum, the letter:

The full letter can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GVA-He9ZHqlvzZ9FI9jBk7iBzN7Wonc4_hp9U4473XE/edit?usp=sharing

To sign the letter, please fill out this form by 5:30pm ET on Wednesday, March 4. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAJnnn0Nr0UUGN50-E88ZNyRHRlL98bPSlZGoDQDUcjmZRJA/viewform

We encourage organizations or individuals to sign on. Or feel free to use this language as you see fit to inform your own separate FRN comments. If you'd like to be included in a message to reporters about your comments, please flag your response for us.

 Additionally, please feel free to share this letter and sign-on link with others.