New Mexico map

A brief highlights the accomplishments of New Mexico’s work with the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative to use sophisticated cost-benefit analysis to inform policy and budget decisions. New Mexico’s Results First model used state-specific data to calculate and compare the long-term costs and benefits of policies and programs in adult and juvenile justice, child welfare, mental health and substance abuse, and early childhood. This work helped inform legislative funding decisions to direct $49.6 million to evidence-based programs that are expected to deliver high returns for New Mexico residents. The brief identifies challenges facing the state and illustrates how the Results First work complements other state efforts to use data to deliver better results.