This is important, and time sensitive. The deadline is May 29th.
Montana Department of Commerce needs your help to update census block boundaries before the 2030 Census. These boundaries directly impact how federal funding is distributed to your community. They’re also used to draw local and statewide districts, shaping how your community is represented.
Why it matters:
- Over $3 billion in federal funding flows to Montana each year based on census data
- Boundaries are used to draw local and statewide districts
- Accurate data supports local planning, infrastructure, and services
Accurate boundaries ensure your community gets its fair share of funding and representation.
Here are resources from a recent webinar with Montana Redistricting Liaison, Dave Ritts:
Don’t sit this one out:
If your community has changed since 2020 (annexations, growth, new development, etc.), you should personally verify that those updates are included.
Updating boundaries:
- Option One: Start by reviewing the Prototype 2030 Census Blocks online map at arcgis.com, which includes the 2020 Census Blocks for reference. Contact Dave Ritts, Montana Redistricting Liaison, at [email protected] or 406-841-2030 to get setup to use the U.S. Census Bureau’s Geographic Update Partnership Software. Once setup, submit your suggested updates.
- Option Two: Start by reviewing the Prototype 2030 Census Blocks online map at arcgis.com, which includes the 2020 Census Blocks for reference. Report your updates to Montana Redistricting Liaison, David Ritts at [email protected] or 406-841-2030.
Deadline:
May 29, 2026
Act early:
Reaching out now gives Commerce time to review and submit your updates before the deadline.
Accurate boundaries = accurate data, fair funding, and strong representation for your community over the next decade.