SANTA FE – The administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday launched a digital platform dedicated to New Mexico’s all-important 2020 Census efforts.

At icountnm.gov, New Mexicans can learn about the importance of the decennial Census and the crucial federal program funds apportioned according to its results, find key dates and documents, and learn how to contribute to local efforts that will ensure all New Mexicans are counted. The site will also be a resource for local governments as they plan their training and complete count efforts for the 2020 Census.

New Mexicans will also be encouraged to follow and participate on Twitter and Facebook.

Gov. Lujan Grisham in April issued an executive order establishing the Statewide Complete Count Commission, a diverse 40-member group including leaders from community-based organizations, Native American communities, business representatives and more.

The commission’s communication and outreach strategy will prioritize geographic areas where New Mexicans are least likely to respond to the Census. It is estimated that as much as 43 percent of New Mexico’s population lives in what are considered “hard-to-count” areas; New Mexico is sometimes considered the hardest-to-count state in the entire U.S.

The state Department of Finance and Administration is supporting the complete count efforts of local governments across the state, helping them promote participation, conduct outreach and education to increase the self-response rate and accuracy of the 2020 Census. The state agency aims to establish and train local complete count committees in each of the state’s 33 counties this fall. The department will also establish grants with tribal governments, a public schools campaign, media outreach and administrative costs.