Zachary Milne is the Director of Policy and Research for the Common Sense Institute Arizona (CSI Arizona), where he works with the Arizona research team to craft important and thoughtful research concerning the Arizona economy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and statistics and a master’s degree in economics, both from Arizona State University.
Prior to joining CSI, Zachary worked in the Arizona Governor’s budget office as an economist. In this capacity, he developed the state’s revenue forecasts and advised a team of budget analysts on the creation of K-12 and Medicaid caseload figures for the state’s annual budget. He also advised the Executive policy and leadership teams on fiscal policy and regularly presented detailed analyses on each of the dozens of tax bills introduced in the Arizona Legislature each year.
Originally from upstate New York, he retired after over 20 years of combined service in the United States Air Force and the Arizona Air National Guard with the 161st Air Refueling Wing in Phoenix, Arizona.
Research
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Analyzing Student Proficiency and Instructional Spending: A Voter’s Guide to Proposition 320 and Public-School Spending in Arizona
Introduction On November 3, Arizona voters will decide whether to adopt Proposition 320, a measure designed to improve the state’s…
Arizona Jobs and Labor Force Update
Introduction Arizona lost 4,100 non-farm jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis month-over-month (MOM) in August (-0.13%), ranking 43rd among all…
Inflation in Arizona- August 2026 Update
Introduction The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Phoenix MSA rose 2.5% year-over-year (YOY) in August – down from the recent 3.0% peak in April and 2.8% reading in June. The energy category of the CPI rose 19.1% YOY in August – an increase…
The Economic Contribution of Arizona’s Arts Sector
Introduction The arts are, as Beverly Sills once observed, “the signature of civilizations.” Art institutions shape the character of their…