The Census Bureau amended the rules governing the program for challenging the Bureau’s annual population estimates (Population Estimates Challenge Program) on January 23, 2026.
The Population Estimates Challenge Program aims “to ensure the accuracy of the Bureau’s annual population estimates by providing governmental units a formal process for requesting a review of, submitting additional data for, and identifying potential errors in the Bureau’s estimates.”
Per the Federal Register Notice, the amendments “will improve and streamline the regulations by clarifying that part 90 pertains to requests to challenge the Bureau’s annual population estimates, properly introducing an acronym used throughout part 90, eliminating inconsequential language, and amending or removing provisions that impose undue restrictions or requirements on potential challengers. The intended effect is to create a more efficient, clear, and accessible process for governmental units to request a challenge to the Bureau’s population estimates, thereby promoting accuracy and accountability.”
- “Clarifying That Part 90 Pertains to Requests To Challenge the Bureau’s Estimates“: The Bureau amends language “to consistently reflect that part 90 establishes a process for requesting a challenge. Much of the language throughout part 90—particularly, the language used in the titles of sections—omits any acknowledgment of the fact that government units must request to file such a challenge.”
- “Enhancing the Clarity of the Discussion of Federal-State Cooperative for Population Estimates (FSCPE)“: Claiming that previously the acronym was referenced without being even spelled out, the Census Bureau adds a formal introduction, spelling out, and explanation of FSCPE.
- “Elimination of Unnecessary and Inconsequential Provisions“: § 90.4, being duplicative of §§ 90.1 and 90.2, is deleted, while § 90.9, which the Bureau says is “purely advisory and lacks any substantive regulatory effect,” is also deleted.
- “Amending Unduly Restrictive Provisions“: The Bureau amends § 90.6(b) so that governmental units no longer require “a sufficiently meritorious reason for not filing in a timely manner,” making it easier for governments to bring challenges. It also eliminate language in § 90.8(a) that the “Bureau will only accept a challenge when the evidence provided indicates the use of incorrect data, processes, or calculations in the estimates,” claiming it is unnecessary given the preceding language in § 90.8(a).
Stakeholders interested in the Population Estimates Challenge Program should review the rule changes in the Notice.
- Clarifying and Streamlining the Regulatory Procedures for Requesting a Challenge to the Census Bureau’s Annual Population Estimates https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/23/2026-01239/clarifying-and-streamlining-the-regulatory-procedures-for-requesting-a-challenge-to-the-census
