PHOENIX — The 2020 census is a year away, but a coalition of Arizona groups is already working to prepare residents and get as many involved as they can.

The #ICount2020 campaign is a local effort funded by the municipal, county and Native nations of the Maricopa Association of Governments and coordinated by the city of Phoenix.

The campaign aims to demonstrate how everyone has an impact on the future region by taking part in the census. The official counting begins on April 1 next year.

“We are in the fastest growing county in the entire United States and we need to make sure we get our fair share of resources,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.

“It’s your chance to step up and say, ‘I want kids in our community to get their fair share on education. I want first responders to get the equipment they need.’”

.@MAGregion & @CityofPhoenixAZ join efforts to launch a new campaign that demonstrates how every individual has an impact on the future of the region by participating in the 2020 Census. Tune in to @MAGRegional’s Census 2020 news conference FB Live 4/1 @10am! #iCount2020 https://t.co/190symNl2U — i Count 2020 (@iCount2020) March 30, 2019

Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday issued an executive order to launch a committee that will develop a plan to achieve the most accurate count of residents during the census.

“Arizona has experienced tremendous growth over the last ten years,” Ducey said in a statement.

“With more people expected to move to our state within the next year, we want to make sure this census fully and accurately represents Arizona’s population.”

Next year’s census is also expected to be easier than ever to participate in. Residents can take their survey online, over the phone or through the mail.

The census is conducted to determine how approximately $675 billion in federal dollars is distributed each year.

State and local governments use it to make decisions about where to locate schools and health clinics and provide social services and improve roads and bridges.

The survey results are also used to distribute electoral college votes and congressional district seats.

“You count, you matter, and you should participate,” Gallego said.

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