Aurora launches 2026 special census to address population undercount and funding loss
Aurora has begun its 2026 Special Census initiative, with the internet self-response period running from July 23 through August 24. The City, in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, is targeting areas of new construction and development to establish a more complete and accurate count of the total population.
According to the City of Aurora, "The effort was prompted by the City’s significant undercount in the 2020 Census, which reported that Aurora lost approximately 17,000 residents. The reported loss in population has led to the City losing over $4.3 million per year in revenue, greatly affecting day-to-day operations and services provided, such as road maintenance, transportation projects, purchases of street salt, public safety, public works, community services, and special events. Your response to the Census is safe, secure, and can help Aurora restore key funding for public safety staff, infrastructure improvements, trademark community events, and more."
Residents within the special census boundaries will receive four mailings, including two letters and two postcards, each containing a unique 12-digit code and instructions for completing the census online. Those who do not respond during the internet self-response period will be visited by field enumerators from the U.S. Census Bureau.
To assist residents who may have difficulty accessing the online form, the City will host several internet self-response assistance events at the Aurora Public Library District – Santori Library. City staff will be available on Thursday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Monday, August 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with laptops and iPads to help residents complete the census. Community Engagement Division personnel will also conduct a door-knocking campaign within the special census tracts to keep residents informed and offer additional assistance.
The City emphasizes that responses to the special census are completely confidential and cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or to determine eligibility for government benefits. No questions will be asked regarding citizenship status. Residents are encouraged to use the unique 12-digit Census ID number received by mail to complete the process online. For more information and to determine if a residence falls within the special census boundaries, residents can visit the City's Special Census engagement website.