To encourage census responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of West Fargo is launching a campaign to giveaway five, $100 West Fargo business gift cards. Over the next five weeks, everyone with a West Fargo address who has completed their census will be able to register to win a $100 gift card to a business located in West Fargo. There will be one drawing a week for five consecutive weeks.

“As we looked at the impact the closures and limitations the COVID-19 pandemic requires we realized we had an opportunity to support local businesses while encouraging individuals to complete their census – which you are able to do online for the first time,” said Communications Director Melissa Richard. “The gift cards will help support local businesses who are working to keep their staff and customers safe, are impacted by executive orders to temporarily cease certain services or are unable to operate due to guidelines for social distancing. This will also encourage responses to help bring millions of dollars of aid into our community and state over the next decade.”

Residents are able to fill out the census online at www.my2020census.gov, by phone via 844-330-2020 or by the paper questionnaire that will be mailed to homes. Once the census is completed, City of West Fargo residents can fill out the gift card drawing form. Entrants must supply their census confirmation number or home address to verify completion.

Each year, the federal government distributes more than $675 billion to states and local communities based on U.S. Census Bureau data, as well as determines the allocation of representation at the local, state and federal level. Accurate census information to planning for future growth, development and the social needs of the community, as well important for new and existing businesses looking to relocate, expand or launch.

“Census data are used for attracting new business to state and local areas, allocating free and reduced lunches in schools, forecasting future transportation needs for all segments of the population and so much more,” said Richard. “Offering this drawing allows us to take advantage of the opportunity to fill out the census online, support local businesses impacted by COVID-19 and secure the responses we need to properly fund services in our community for the next decade.”

For more information about the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 census, City of West Fargo efforts and the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s efforts, visit https://www.westfargond.gov/1032/Census-2020.