Census 2

 Why is Carbondale pushing responding to the census so much. Primarily because, if the city's population of record drops below 25,000 it will lose its Home Rule status. Communities get home rule status by either exceeding 25,000 in population or passing a referendum designating it as such. The population requirement is automatic, getting the referendum passed would prove more difficult.

Why does the city want home rule status? Cities with home rule status can perform any function they want as long as it does not conflict with state law, thus giving the city council a lot more freedom in taking actions. Cities without home rule status can only take actions authorized by state law, limiting the city government's power significantly.