The Census Bureau has published a schedule for the 2030 Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA), the process by which tribal, state, and local governments review and comment on the Census Address List for their jurisdictions before the 2030 Census. The Bureau relies on a complete and accurate address list to reach every living quarter and its associated population for inclusion in the decennial census, and LUCA is the mechanism that brings local review into that list. A review begins with a government comparing the Census Bureau’s Address Count Listing File for its area (also called a block count list), which gives housing unit and group quarters totals by census tabulation block, against its own address records to determine whether discrepancies exist. Governments that agree to protect the confidentiality of the Census Address List can receive the addresses for their jurisdiction and may suggest additions, deletions, or corrections to the geographic location of residential addresses.
LUCA Timeline
The Bureau has divided the LUCA schedule into four periods. From May 2027 through August 2027, governments receive materials about LUCA, are invited to set up accounts and register, and are invited to conduct block-level address count comparisons, with the option to practice an address-level review. Submissions are not accepted during this period, though training and hands-on practice are available. From October 2027 through March 2028, governments conduct the block-level count review, examine the Census Address List, and submit suggestions, with a firm deadline to allow the Bureau time to process submissions. In March 2029, governments receive address-level feedback on how their submissions were incorporated into the Census Address List and must submit any appeals to the Office of Management and Budget within 60 days of receiving that feedback. September 2029 marks closeout, the end of governments’ access to confidential LUCA materials.
LUCA Program Changes
Several features distinguish the 2030 cycle from its predecessors. Participation will be digital only, with no paper materials and web-based access to all materials. The review period has been extended from four months in 2020 LUCA to up to six months in 2030 LUCA. Improved tools include an address matching service, web-based tools that eliminate the need to download software, and a secure portal for communication and registration. Governments can also access Census Address Count Listing Files before LUCA begins, allowing additional time to review resources and gather information. The Bureau emphasizes a coverage-based, data-driven review approach focused on whether the address list contains the correct number of addresses in the correct locations.
Eligibility
Eligibility extends to federally recognized Tribal Nations with a reservation and/or off-reservation trust lands, states, counties, incorporated places, and minor civil divisions. Highest elected or appointed officials from active, functioning, legal governments designate the person who will represent the jurisdiction, which may include direct employees, interns, or contractors, or alternate reviewers such as a county, state data center, or regional planning agency.
Why Participate
Participation in LUCA is not required, but the Census Bureau identifies several reasons governments may want to participate, including its effect on federal funding. The Bureau estimates that trillions of dollars in federal funding are distributed annually to tribal governments, states, communities, and other recipients, using Census Bureau data in whole or in part, including decennial data, across programs spanning health care, nutrition, highways, housing, school lunches, and child care.
How to Prepare
Preparation can begin now: local address sources such as building permits, E-911 address files, utility records, annexation records, and taxation files may be available, and community-based organizations may help identify missing or hidden housing. Because only residential living quarters will be included in the frame for 2030 Census operations, other addressed structures such as libraries or businesses should be excluded. With registration opening in May 2027 and the submission window closing in March 2028, the schedule leaves a defined preparatory interval before any deadline applies. Local governments can start preparing now by:
- Determining eligibility
- Creating or updating the address list
- Making the address list publicly available, and
- Exploring resources available for support
For the full schedule, eligibility details, and preparation resources, see the Census Bureau’s Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) Operation page and its 2030 Census LUCA page. The Bureau also points to a 60-day Federal Register notice on the plans for 2030 LUCA. Also see the Census Bureau’s Guide to Comparing Address Counts by Block.
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