Our Mission

It's Just Common Sense.

CSI’s mission is to examine the fiscal impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws so that Arizonans are educated and informed on issues impacting their lives. CSI employs rigorous research techniques and dynamic modeling to evaluate the potential impact of these measures on the Arizona economy and individual opportunity.
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Research

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Ballot Issues
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…
Jobs & Our Economy
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…
Jobs & Our Economy
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…
Jobs & Our Economy
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…

September 9, 2026


Zachary Milne

PODCASTS

Homelessness in America— Rethinking Homelessness Policy
Listen to the episode on your preferred platform or WATCH on YouTube. 

February 16, 2026

Infrastructure
Arizona’s Urban Desert Miracle featuring Glenn Farley
Rapid economic and population growth in Arizona’s dry central valley has created tremendous wealth and opportunity. Rapid development also has…

May 12, 2025


Glenn Farley
Trends in Arizona’s K-12 Education Enrollment
District school closures have dominated the headlines in recent weeks. Why is this the case? And what are the differences…

January 31, 2025

Reforming Arizona’s Homeless Service Ecosystem featuring Julie Katsel and Ted Maxwell
Earlier this year, the Common Sense Institute released a thorough review of homelessness spending at all levels – non-profits, state…

October 15, 2024


Julie Katsel

EVENTS

September 09, 2026 | 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
The Desert Renaissance
On September 9, Common Sense Institute will host an evening exploring the role of arts and culture in Arizona’s economy.…

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