Census Bureau Tests 2026 Survey: Feedback Sought on Job Data Collection
Published Date: 3/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Census Bureau is asking for public feedback on a test version of the 2026 Current Population Survey, which helps gather important info about people’s jobs and living situations. This test will update how they collect data to make it easier and less time-consuming for everyone involved. Comments are open until May 4, 2026, and this process helps keep surveys smooth without costing extra money or time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
CPS tests Internet self-response
You could be contacted as part of the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS) 2026 Field Test between July 2026 and October 2026. The first interview will be by computer-assisted person interview (CAPI), and most cases will have up to three months of follow-up using a mix of internet self-response and CAPI; cases stay in sample for up to four months. Some households interviewed in 2025 will be recontacted to preserve the survey's longitudinal design, and the test will include experiments on question wording, contact methods, and mode interaction with an ultimate goal to phase in changes in 2027 through 2028.
Respondent time burden and cost
If you are selected to respond, the Census estimates 50,000 respondents for the 2026 CPS Field Test, with each response taking about 10 minutes. The Census estimates total annual burden hours of 33,333 hours, reports the respondent obligation as voluntary, and estimates the total annual cost to the public as $0.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20249, Notice of Data Sharing Activity
Starting October 2, 2026, the Census Bureau will share some business survey data with the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to help make U.S. economic stats more accurate and efficient. This affects businesses that voluntarily provide info in Census surveys, with no legal pressure to share. Only trusted BEA staff sworn to keep data secret will see the info, and there’s no cost impact for businesses.
2026-20167, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; DOC-Census Workforce Development Collection
The Census Bureau is asking for approval to collect info from 230 workforce training groups linked to Manufacturing USA and two grant programs. This new data will help track how well these training programs work by connecting participant info with Census data. The goal? To make smarter decisions about future workforce investments without adding too much extra work—each group spends just 1-2 hours a year on this.
2026-20153, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Quarterly Services Survey (QSS)
The U.S. Census Bureau wants to keep running the Quarterly Services Survey for three more years without changes. This survey asks certain U.S. service businesses for info to help track the economy. If you’re involved, you can comment by November 30, 2026, but there’s no new cost or extra paperwork planned.
2026-20155, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD)
The Census Bureau wants to keep collecting data for the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) program, which helps track jobs and workers over time. They’re asking the public to comment by November 30, 2026, before they get final approval from the Office of Management and Budget. This keeps the data flowing without adding extra hassle or cost to businesses and workers.
2026-19301, Proposed Data Sharing Activity
The Census Bureau wants to share some business data with the Bureau of Economic Analysis to help improve economic reports. This change affects businesses whose data is collected and aims to make government info more useful without extra costs. People have until November 23, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan.
2026-18481, Decennial Census of the Population of Americans; Proposed Residence Criteria and Proposed Regulations for Demographic Questions
The Census Bureau is proposing to add two new parts to the Code of Federal Regulations governing the decennial census of population and housing. First, the Census Bureau is proposing to add a part outlining the residence criteria used for identifying each person's "usual residence," as needed to determine whether and where to count them in the census of the population throughout the United States. Second, the Census Bureau is proposing to add a part establishing standards and restrictions for the inclusion of certain demographic questions on the decennial census short-form questionnaire and any other questionnaire used for the enumeration of the population. The Census Bureau is considering these two additions to better prioritize and fulfill its Constitutional mandate to count for apportionment the "whole number of persons in each State" based on the concept of "usual residence"--a process that factors in an element of allegiance but otherwise should be colorblind and should not be distorted in any way by questions about immaterial personal characteristics, such as race. Although these two parts are somewhat related and complementary, each is being proposed independently based on its own merits. These proposals are intended to ensure fidelity to the Constitution, improve and protect the core decennial census data, and promote efficiency.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04381, Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest
The U.S. International Trade Commission got a complaint about certain display devices and streaming players, mainly involving companies like Hisense and Roku. They want your thoughts on how this might affect the public before deciding on actions like blocking imports or sales. If you’re interested, now’s the time to speak up—this could impact what products show up in stores and possibly affect prices.
Next: 2026-04383, Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to keep collecting info about how businesses share your financial privacy details. They’re asking for your thoughts by April 6, 2026, to make sure the rules stay clear and fair. This affects lots of businesses and helps protect your personal info without costing extra money or time.