The Census Bureau seeks public comment by April 21, 2025 on the forthcoming Government Units Survey.
According to the Federal Register Notice, “Title 13, Section 161, of the United States Code requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a Census of Governments (CoG) every five years, in years ending in “2” and “7”. Section 193 provides for the collection of preliminary and supplementary statistics as related to the main topics of the CoG. This information request covers the Government Units Survey (GUS). The Census Bureau will use information from the 2026 GUS for the Organizational component of the CoG and to update its universe of public sector entities prior to mailing the other CoG components. The 2026 GUS collection will be all electronic and canvas townships and special district governments. The estimated 30,000 local governments will each receive login information to complete the questionnaire online. The collection instrument asks respondents to verify or correct their organization’s name and mailing address as well as indicate the organization’s primary function(s).”
The Bureau plans to scale back data collection for the 2026 GUS from 2021 levels. “For greater efficiency, the 2026 GUS eliminates several questions asked for the 2021 GUS and continues only canvasing government units for which it is difficult to obtain this information via other methods, such as internet research. The Census Bureau uses multiple options for verifying information about in-scope units not mailed to in the 2026 GUS. One method is including these units in annual survey collections for the public sector. A second validation method is Census Bureau analysts request directory listings from state contacts, such as the state auditor’s office or other relevant offices. State contacts send the Census Bureau current directory listings based on filing requirements local governments (units) must report to the state on a routine basis ( e.g., quarterly, or annually). As a result, the Census Bureau has found directory listings to be reliable sources for obtaining current information for local governments in some states. A third validation option is Census Bureau analysts reviewing state legislation annually to identify new bills and repealed bills that provide up-to-date legislative changes impacting local government units.”
The Census Bureau is asking for comments that help them “to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.”
- Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; 2026 Government Units Survey. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/20/2025-02857/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-to-the-office-of-management-and-budget-omb-for
