No one in Chautauqua County needs to be reminded of our dwindling numbers. Over the years, we have lost population at a great rate. In 1980, we had 146,000 residents living here. Today, that number is down to 128,000 — or 12.3 percent less than 40 years ago.

It is being realistic that fewer people are choosing to live here, but are the numbers correct? Today, the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County is holding a session at the LoGuidice BOCES center to discuss getting everyone counted for the 2020 Census.

“It is crucial that we ensure that our region has an accurate count in 2020. Undercounting or under reporting of our population and demographics could jeopardize much-needed federal resources to this area,” said Adam Dolce, United Way of Northern Chautauqua County executive director. “Those resources are utilized by our local governments for special projects as well as by our not-for-profit community to provide important services. We look forward to working within our community to form and launch a complete count committee that can carry out this work on a regional level.”

Today’s meeting is open to the public from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and will include an update for area and Census officials on where we stand.