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The U.S. Census Bureau plans to conduct the 2020 census in the early months of next year.

The first of its kind, the census will be available solely online. According to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, this census marks a very important year for Alabama. Because of the census, the state has an opportunity to positively affect the state’s future, regarding federal funding for the next 10 years.

In preparation for the event, the city of Brewton is planning ahead.

In a recent town hall meeting, Steven Layton encouraged the public to take part in the census.

“Brewton is prepared to provide services,” said Layton. Like other surrounding communities, Brewton is adapting to the online criteria, offering places around town to complete the census.

“Here in Brewton, we will be reaching out to these neighborhood leaders who can answer questions for our citizens. We are looking to create a private space within the library. The facility of the J.L Fisher center will be another location where the census can be completed,” commented Layton.

These locations will open in at the beginning of the year 2020, and staff members will be available for assistance.

The general census will ask basic questions about all people living or staying at the specified address. These details include: names, ages, birth dates, race, etc. The count includes all children, even non-relatives staying within a household. Programs that fall under the federal funding include: medical assistance, medicare part b, head start, pell grants for students, highway planning and construction, and much more.

ADECA encourages everyone to complete the census and considers it a “simple civic duty with tremendous impact.”

For more information or to complete the census visit census.alabama.gov.