Reminder postcards have been sent out to Surprise homes that haven’t yet responded to the 2020 Census.

Homes should have received letters with personalized codes by now to take the 10-minute survey online.

A second reminder letter is planned to be sent out this week to give residents another nudge.

After that, a final postcard reminder will be headed to those homes in late April. Census worker will then conduct in-person follow-ups if all those reminders don’t work.

Of course, in-person trips are questionable at the moment because of fears from the coronavirus.

Only households in select areas — ones with limited Internet access or viewed as less likely to respond online — will receive a paper survey at the first mailing.

City officials are stressing the importance of the census count as it provides crucial federal and state funding that helps pay for roads, schools, emergency services and other benefits.

The census also helps determine if Arizona will receive an additional congressional district, which means another representative in Washington, D.C.

The census also helps in redistricting for the city districts and helps planners decide where public safety buildings, parks and businesses should go.