Assessing the Health of the Federal Statistical Agencies

Assessing the Health of the Federal Statistical Agencies

The American Statistical Association (ASA) contends that, �America�s federal statistical system is in imminent danger. Without immediate actions, the system may not deliver on its missions due to a combination of declining survey response rates, gaps in existing legislation and regulations, and chronic underfunding. A weaker federal statistical system will impact many aspects of American life, from the steering of financial markets to support for vulnerable communities.�

In preparation for a forthcoming report, �Assessing the Health of the Principal Federal Statistical Agencies,� ASA is hosting a webinar on July 9, 2024 to comprehensively assess �the challenges facing the nation�s most vital statistics,� including the federal statistical agencies�: (a) �professional autonomy�, (b) �support from their parent agency,� (c) �sufficiency of their budget and staffing,� (d) �challenges and opportunities for data quality and innovation,� and (e) �engagement with data users.�