Statement from United Way of New York City President and CEO Grace Bonilla on the Governor’s State of the State and the Inclusion of Early Census Preparation

Statement from United Way of New York City President and CEO Grace Bonilla on the Governor's State of the State and the Inclusion of Early Census Preparation

Jan 13, 2026| Blog, Blog Featured Articles, News, News Featured Articles

January 13, 2026

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) applauds Governor Hochul's commitment to prioritize early planning for the next decennial census. Every New Yorker deserves to be counted, and to receive the real-world benefits accurate census data unlocks for the entire state. New York needs this kind of year-ahead focus because an accurate count is about power, resources, and dignity for every community.

For months, UWNYC has been calling on New York to act now, making clear that census preparation is not a last-minute project but a critical, long-term investment.

We have been organizing with partners across the city and state, and keeping attention on what real preparation requires: Clear statewide coordination, sustained public education, and outreach led by trusted community organizations. We are thrilled to see those priorities reflected in the State of the State, along with the practical work of strengthening address lists and supporting the Local Update of Census Addresses operation (LUCA) so every household can be counted.

New York has felt the consequences of an undercount. After the 2020 Census, our state lost a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives by just 89 people, and undercounts put federal resources at risk, including support for health care, nutrition assistance, schools, roads, and bridges.

The Governor's emphasis on reaching historically undercounted New Yorkers especially low-income residents, young children, and renters is the essential starting point for this critical work and a bold message that New York will not leave anyone in the shadows as we continue to fight for our fair share.

As details and funding come into focus through the Executive Budget process, UWNYC remains ready to keep working with state and local leaders and trusted community partners to help ensure that every New Yorker is counted and represented, never overlooked.