Prepping for Today's Big 2020 Census Release

Setting the table as the nation awaits the first results from the 2020 Census.

1 minute read

April 26, 2021, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


2020 Census Logo

U.S. Government / Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Census Bureau is expected to announce the first set of results from the 2020 Census today, with consequences for the makeup of Congress. While waiting for the announcement, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic but long troubled by reported neglect by the Trump administration and controversies like the citizenship question decided by the Supreme Court in 2019, media outlets have been busy setting the context for today's announcement, with the expectation that this year's count could shift demographic trends away from the nation's most populous states to the nation's fastest growing states.  

Here's a list of suggested reading to prepare for the coming deluge of data, analysis, and hot takes:

Monday, April 26, 2021 in National Public Radio

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

November 11, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A road in north eastern Nebraska with power lines on either side, and grassy fields.

Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity

Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.

November 6, 2026 - Grist

People walking and cycling on a street in Boston.

Study reveals best places in the U.S. for cycling, walking

New research from Streetlight Data examines bicycle and pedestrian miles per capita in the 100 largest U.S. cities by population.

November 8, 2026 - Smart Cities Dive

Two workers in high-vis jackets look at a melted portion of the I-95

Why does it take an emergency for the U.S. to expedite infrastructure projects?

In June 2023, Philadelphia repaired a melted interstate in 12 days thanks to an emergency order.

November 14 - Vox

Mark, an older white man in a blue jacket, smiles in front of a plaque that commemorates his scholarship.

Federal government nominates new FTA administrator

Mark Aesch is currently the founder and CEO of a transportation management consulting firm.

November 13 - Mass Transit

A rendering of people walking through a park to the chicago bears stadium, which is large and dome shaped.

Developers reveal $10 billion stadium plan as ‘Hail Mary’ to keep Bears in Chicago

The plan would also boast a public park, high- and mid-rise buildings and a youth sports complex.

November 13 - Chicago Sun Times

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.