Field Representatives wanted for Urbana Special Census

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — If you’re looking for a part-time job in Urbana, there may be an opportunity for you.

The City asked the Census Bureau for a recount . Mayor Diane Marlin said getting help to make that happen is more important now than ever before.

The city is losing about $750,000 each year for 10 years because of the undercount in 2020. Marlin said neighborhoods closer to the campus area were not fully represented then, leading to this partial special census today.

The one four years ago happened in April, right in the middle of the COVID-19 shutdown. Many people who should’ve been counted were not in the area because of the University of Illinois going online. The official population count dropped about 7%.

Marlin said a lot of federal and state money is based on these numbers. The city does have enough money in reserves to avoid cutting programs for now, but getting a recount will help in the future.

“One of the reductions is in our share of the state motor fuel tax. That money is earmarked for repairing streets and infrastructure,” Marlin said. “So, that’s impacting our ability to fill potholes and to make the repairs that we need in our infrastructure.”

Other dollars from state income taxes go into Urbana’s general operating fund that covers day-to-day work and social services.

Census Field Representative jobs are now available. You have to be 18 years old and pass a background check. The paycheck is almost $19 an hour.

To apply, click here .

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