The complexities and challenges of the 2020 Census were on the agenda at Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research opening Public Policy Forums Series on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021.
See presentations and the video from the IPPSR Public Policy Forum at Schedule & Registration | IPPSR (msu.edu)
The Forum's speakers each had frontline positions in leading the U.S. Census 
count and assessing the first demographic results. Speakers were:
Kerry Ebersole-Singh. Office of the Governor, State of Michigan; 2020 Statewide Census Director.
Victoria Kovari. Executive Director, Detroit 2020 Census Campaign and Special Assistant to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.
Corwin Smidt. Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, Michigan State University.
"It just takes hard work," noted Kovari. She called for all nonprofits and organizations across the state to help assure that all citizens were accurately counted, "to make sure people aren't being left behind."
Ebersole-Singh called for Michigan to be ready for Census 2030.
“We’re looking at the census’ value to Michigan, including but not limited to, the drawing of voting districts currently underway,” said Arnold Weinfeld, the Institute’s associate director. “Census data represents a quick snapshot of our population growth, our economic development, household income, even how far we drive, on average, from our homes to work.”
Featured speakers are:
The popular Public Policy Forum series invites a broad audience of decision makers and community members to explore critical, policy-relevant issues being discussed by state and regional leaders.
Fall Forums are now scheduled for:
- Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021
- Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021
- Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021
Presentations and videos from past IPPSR Public Policy Forums – ranging from COVID-19, to K-12 educational reforms, mental health, criminal justice and water safety crises – are available at http://bit.ly/2nImpSR.
As a unit of the College of Social Science, IPPSR is focused on public policy, political leadership and survey research. It is the home of the Michigan Political Leadership Program, the Michigan Applied Public Policy Research Program, the Office for Survey Research and State of the State Survey.
IPPSR is also known for its Michigan Policy Wonk Blog, State of the State Podcast, Michigan Policy Insiders Panel, Correlates of State Policy, Michigan Applied Public Policy Research grants, Public Policy Fellowships and IPPSR Affiliated Faculty from across the MSU campus.
Join social media discussions of 2021 IPPSR Forum at #IPPSRForum on Twitter and IPPSR on Facebook. See the latest videos of past Public Policy Forums on IPPSR's YouTube channel. Follow current events analysis and updates on IPPSR's State of the State Podcast.