Westfield receives exemption waiver for special early census

Submitted by City of Westfield

The City of Westfield has announced the resumption of its special census efforts, which were temporarily put on hold earlier this year due to a federal hiring freeze.

Thanks to an exemption waiver secured through the efforts of U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz, the Census Bureau is now able to proceed with hiring enumerators and move forward with the process. This special census is a critical step for ensuring that Westfield receives accurate funding and resources based on its rapidly growing population.

Willis

“Westfield has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and waiting for the 2030 decennial census would delay vital resources that our city needs,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “Certain tax distributions and permits, which are allocated based on population, are essential to supporting infrastructure and public services. By conducting this special census now, we’re ensuring that our city gets the representation and revenue it should.”

Given Westfield’s growth over the past five years, the city is currently underrepresented in population counts, which affects the distribution of state and federal funds. According to city officials, waiting for the 2030 decennial census would delay access to vital resources, including funding for infrastructure, public safety, and other essential services. The special census is expected to generate $1.6 million in additional annual revenue for the next five years, enabling the city to continue meeting the needs of its growing population and maintaining the high level of services that residents rely on.

The Census Bureau will hire temporary workers to assist with the enumeration process. For those interested in applying, job applications will be available soon. To be notified when the job portal goes live, residents can visit westfieldin.gov/jobs.

The special census date has been set for mid-September, which indicates that the internet self-response period will begin in August 2025. More information will be communicated as the special census date approaches.