Minnesotans for the American Community Survey

About MACS

Minnesotans for the American Community Survey & 2030 Census (MACS) works to protect, improve, and promote the Census and American Community Survey (Census/ACS) as fundamental public goods that provide data essential to ensuring the well-being of all Minnesotans, particularly those from historically under-counted communities.  Learn more at macscensus.org.

Why Census/ACS Data Are Important

The decennial Census and the annual American Community Survey provide data essential to building strong local economies, healthy communities, and democratic institutions.  More than $34B in federal funding is allocated to the state of Minnesota annually based on Census/ACS data, including funds for healthcare, transportation, and economic development.  Census/ACS data are used by the State of Minnesota, local governments, businesses, economic development agencies, nonprofit organizations, and researchers for a host of purposes including planning, business development, program development, and evaluation.  Without this critical public data, our institutions would be flying blind.

Engagement & Education

Through events and a monthly newsletter MACS engages and educates Minnesotans - including data-users, decision-makers, and the public at-large - about issues related to Census/ACS, including potential threats to data integrity and data availability.  Our engagement work includes annual meeting with each of Minnesota's 10 congressional offices about the importance of Census/ACS data to the communities they serve.

2030 Census Initiatives

In partnership with the Minnesota Council on Foundations and the Minnesota State Demographic Center, MACS is leading the effort to prepare Minnesota Communities for the 2030 Census.  Specifically, MACS is working to:

• Develop a network of regional organizations in rural and Greater Minnesota to support the 2030 Census mobilization.  
• Organize Minnesota's early childhood network to ensure that young children (under 5 years of age) are counted in the 2030 Census. 
• Engage Minnesota's Indigenous community in issues related to the 2030 Census.  This work is lead by Alisha Everwind of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa.  

Learn more about our work at:  macscensus.org/our-work