On November 2, the Census Bureau published a notice in the Federal Register regarding proposed changes to the American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey that would take effect in 2028. Specifically, the Census Bureau proposes dropping two questions regarding solar panels and veterans’ period of service (veteran status would be retained).
According to the notice, the questions were dropped after an extensive content review was conducted to determine “that every question on the ACS is legally justified and has a federal use.” The solar panels and period of service questions “were identified as no longer having a mandatory or required federal use.”
In addition, the Bureau is accepting comments on its plans to use administrative data, when available, regarding Agricultural Sales, Year Built, Number of Rooms, Number of Bedrooms, Units in Structure, Building Type, and Home Heating Fuel. The intent is to implement this expanded use of administrative data beginning as early as 2028.
The Bureau is accepting public comments until January 4, 2027.
Census Bureau Proposes Removing Questions from the ACS in 2028
On November 2, the Census Bureau published a notice in the Federal Register regarding proposed changes to the American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey that would take effect in 2028. Specifically, the Census Bureau proposes dropping two questions regarding solar panels and veterans’ period of service (veteran status would be retained).
According to the notice, the questions were dropped after an extensive content review was conducted to determine “that every question on the ACS is legally justified and has a federal use.” The solar panels and period of service questions “were identified as no longer having a mandatory or required federal use.”
In addition, the Bureau is accepting comments on its plans to use administrative data, when available, regarding Agricultural Sales, Year Built, Number of Rooms, Number of Bedrooms, Units in Structure, Building Type, and Home Heating Fuel. The intent is to implement this expanded use of administrative data beginning as early as 2028.
The Bureau is accepting public comments until January 4, 2027.
Our Insights
The U.S. Census Bureau seeks public comment on revisions to
10/28/2026
Our Insights
The Census Bureau seeks public comment on sharing “certain business
10/27/2026
Our Insights
The U.S. Census Bureau seeks public comment on revisions to
10/26/2026
View all Related