Our Work

Our Mission

Our mission is 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 undercounted communities.

Our Work

  • In partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension Leadership & Civic Engagement Program and the West Central Initiative Foundation, MACS is developing tools and strategies to strengthen local civic infrastructure to ensure an accurate count in rural communities. To learn more, contact Michael Jon Olson at michaeljon@macscensus.org.

  • Every year since 2013, MACS has organized annual meetings with each of Minnesota’s U.S. House and Senate offices, educating our delegation about the importance of Census/ACS data to the communities they serve.  We also provide congressional offices with periodic updates on Census/ACS issues.  To learn more, contact Joan Naymark at joan@macscensus.org.

  • Members of the Data Committee – who are Census/ACS data users and experts from public agencies, academia, the business community, and nonprofit research organizations across the state – conduct research and create products that support MACS initiatives.  To learn more, contact Joan Naymark at joan@macscensus.org.  

  • Young children (ages 0-5) are perennially undercounted in the Census.  By working with a coalition of young children advocates and organizations, MACS is working to address this issue in Minnesota in the 2030 Census.  To learn more, contact Michael Jon Olson at michaeljon@macscensus.org

  • MACS serves as a point of connection between national-level and state-level work on Census/ACS issues.  MACS participates in national networks, brings important national information back to Minnesota audiences, shares Minnesota insights with national partners, and serves as a national model for state-level organizing around Census/ACS issues.  To learn more, contact Joan Naymark at joan@macscensus.org.

  • Through strategic partnerships and a variety of media, MACS educates Minnesotans about the importance of ACS/Census data to our communities, and the importance of participating in the Census and the American Community Survey.  To learn more, contact Michael Jon Olson at michaeljon@macscensus.org.

  • MACS is working with Alisha Everwind of the Red Lake Band to engage indigenous communities across Minnesota to prepare for the 2030 Census.  To learn more, contact Michael Jon Olson at michaeljon@macscensus.org.

  • In partnership with the Minnesota State Demographic Center, the Minnesota Council on Foundations, and other groups, MACS is leading the planning for the 2030 Census in Minnesota.  To learn more, contact Michael Jon Olson at michaeljon@macscensus.org.

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We will share important updates about changes to the data, share opportunities to make your voice heard (such as signing on to a letter, replying to proposed changes, or following/sharing on social media), and share thought-provoking news and discussions. The time is now --- join us in this important work to ensure accurate annual data from the American Community Survey and a high-quality 2030 Census.