2020 Census Count Question Resolution Operation

• What is the 2020 Census Count Question Resolution (CQR) Operation?

  The 2020 Census Count Question Resolution Operation (CQR) gives tribal, state, and local governments an opportunity to request a review of their official 2020 Census counts. The operation allows governmental units to identify potential errors in legal boundaries and/or housing counts in their area that may have occurred while processing the 2020 Census. CQR requests can only be submitted by the highest elected or appointed officials.

• What types of requests will the Census Bureau review and process through the CQR operation?

  The Census Bureau will review the following situations:

  • Boundary cases: Legal government unit boundaries in effect as of January 1, 2020, and the associated addresses affected by the boundaries.
  • Count cases: Geographic location or placement of housing and associated population as well as the census results to determine whether census processing error(s) excluded valid housing and associated population data.

• What is the timeline to submit a CQR review request?

  The Census Bureau will begin accepting CQR cases over the span of 18 months beginning on January 3, 2022 through June 30, 2023. After a governmental unit submits a CQR request, the Census Bureau will release results within 90 days of receipt.

• How do governmental units submit a CQR review request?

  Participants are encouraged to submit CQR cases digitally using the Secure Web Incoming Module (SWIM). Governmental units should utilize the CQR Participant Guide for instructions on how to successfully submit a CQR request.

• Can the CQR operation change the official 2020 Census data?

  No, any CQR corrections made will not impact the apportionment counts, redistricting data, or any other 2020 Census data products. However, the revised counts are integrated into all subsequent population estimates released after the 2020 Census CQR case is closed. For example, the American Community Survey (ACS) uses population totals from the Population Estimates Program at the incorporated place, minor civil division, and county levels to adjust the population totals published by the survey.

• What is an example of how the 2010 CQR process affected a governmental unit in Texas?

  During the 2010 CQR Operation, the city of Cibolo, TX submitted corrections to boundaries and added 4,000 more people in their population counts. This correction was critical for the city’s justification for state and federal funding throughout the decade.

• Where can I get additional information about the CQR Operation?

  Governmental units can obtain information about the CQR Operation in the following ways:

  • Visit the Census Bureau’s 2020 Count Question Resolution website
  • Contact the Census Bureau at 1-888-369-3617 or email at dcmd.2020.cqr.submissions@census.gov. Staff is available by phone from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Voicemail messages will be returned within two business days.
  • Contact the Texas Demographic Center for guidance on technical questions or inquiries related to geographic mapping.