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Our focus is on the facts.

We believe sound fiscal and economic research is essential to uphold Colorado’s economic vitality, future, and individual opportunity. 


Our Mission

It's Just Common Sense.

Common Sense Institute is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy. CSI is at the forefront of important discussions concerning the future of free enterprise in Colorado and aims to have an impact on the issues that matter most to Coloradans.

 
 
Research
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Education
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Unlocking Work: Impacts of Improving Access to Affordable Child Care

Licensed child care slots are lagging in Colorado. There are 2 licensed child care slots for every 3 children under 6 in a household where all parents are in the labor force, creating a deficit of 88,500 sl

October 31, 2024 Tamra RyanCole AndersonAlethea GomezNicole Riehl
Infrastructure
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The Road to Recovery: Downtown Denver

Denver’s downtown foot traffic is only 67% of what it was in 2019—16th lowest among the 55 U.S. cities examined.

October 30, 2024 Kelly Jean BroughDJ Summers
Education
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Districts and Data: 2024 Edition

In Colorado, from 2007-2023, education revenue per pupil was up 70%. The average teacher salary was up 50%.

October 24, 2024 Erik GammJason Gaulden
Housing & Our Community
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2023 Domestic Migration Data

Colorado is no longer a top ten state for migration. Colorado ranked 16th for domestic + natural population gain in 2023 out of 30 that had a net increase. It ranked in the top ten through the 2010s, includ

October 22, 2024 Chris Brown
Colorado Budget: Then and Now
Colorado Biz
November 02, 2024
Downtown Denver has one of the worst coronavirus pandemic economic recoveries in the Southwest
MSN
November 02, 2024
Downtown Denver's recovery lags other cities, study says
The Denver Gazette
November 01, 2024
Honoring the Legacy of Buz Koelbel: A Visionary Leader Who Transformed Colorado
September 30, 2024
Ballot Issues
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Fighting Crime: The Power of Proposition 130

In this episode, host DJ Summers is joined by Former Chief of Police and CSI Public Safety Fellow Paul Pazen to discuss the pressing issue of rising crime rates and the upcoming November Ballot Initiative,

September 30, 2024 Chief Paul PazenDJ Summers
Ballot Issues
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Amendment 80: The Future of School Choice in Colorado

In this episode, DJ Summers is joined by Kelly Caufield, CSI Colorado’s Executive Director, to discuss Amendment 80.

September 16, 2024 Kelly CaufieldDJ Summers
Housing & Our Community
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Mile High Report Card: Denver's State of the City

What is the state of our city? How is Mayor Mike Johnston addressing homelessness? Will housing prices continue to soar unaddressed? Are migrants top of mind for the administration?

July 29, 2024 Cole AndersonDJ Summers
Housing & Our Community
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Denver's Multifront Battle: War on Fentanyl, Migrant Influx, and Property Tax Hikes

Welcome to the pilot episode of Colorado Clarity! Join hosts DJ Summers and Cole Anderson from the Common Sense Institute as they dive into the most pressing policy issues impacting Colorado today.

July 17, 2024 Cole AndersonDJ Summers
December 10, 2024 | 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Free Enterprise Summit

The Common Sense Institute is proud to invite you to the 2024 Free Enterprise Summit on December 20th, featuring a special fireside chat with Governor Doug Ducey, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens for Fre

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