In November 2024, the US Census Bureau requested comments to inform their decisionmaking related to the American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS).

The authors presented evidence on the value of ACS data at both the federal and local levels based on their experiences in as national researchers, as a research partner to local groups in Washington, DC area, and as coordinator of the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP). We provided the following examples to demonstrate the practical utility of the data collection.

• At the federal level, the information in the ACS is essential for assessing whether place-based federal programs seeking community improvements are effective at meeting their goals.
• As part of the Urban–Greater DC program, the ACS supports Urban’s effort to build knowledge that empowers community members, local governments, nonprofits, and the private sector to confront inequities and create a region of shared prosperity, with a focus on increasing affordable housing.
• Local NNIP partners rely on the ACS to provide insights for local governments, nonprofits, foundations, and community groups. Examples shared include improving family and child development outcomes in San Antonio, Texas; guiding equitable investments in trails in Columbus, Ohio; and informing investments to meet the needs of the growing older adult population in Chicago, Illinois.

The comments also urged the Census Bureau to increase the utility and clarity of the information the agency collects by investing in and building the capacity of ACS users to understand and apply data, aligned with the NNIP aspiration for all residents and people working in public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic organizations that serve their communities to be able to use data effectively to improve conditions in the places where they live and work.