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Chris Brown

Vice President of Policy & Research

For media inquiries, please contact cinamon@csinstituteus.org

Chris Brown is the Vice President of Policy and Research with the Common Sense Institute. Chris joined CSI in 2017 and leads the research efforts to provide insightful, accurate and actionable information on the implications of public policy issues throughout the state of Colorado.

With an extensive background in economics and public policy, Chris has made significant contributions to understanding complex economic issues within Colorado and beyond. Highlights of his work include reports on the economic effects of major ballot measures and legislation including, Proposition HH on property tax reform, Proposition 118 on the creation of a state paid leave program, predictive scheduling legislation, the Colorado option health plan among many more. Prior to joining CSI, Chris spent close to a decade working for REMI (Regional Economic Models Inc), establishing their Washington D.C. office.

Chris lives in Parker with his wife, three crazy boys and boxer Diesel. When not chasing around his kids he relishes a quiet Saturday morning watching English Premier League soccer and drinking coffee.

Expert's Work
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Jobs & Our Economy
Weighing Minimum Wage Increases Across Boulder County

By 2030, for every one person estimated to be drawn out of poverty from new minimum wage policies in Colorado, between 4 and 12 people would lose a job.

September 18, 2024 Chris Brown
Ballot Issues
Ballot Guide 2024

The Common Sense Institute's 2024 Ballot Guide highlights the potential economic and fiscal impacts of key ballot measures in Colorado.

Housing & Our Community
Unlocking Housing Affordability in Denver

Is Inclusionary Zoning Solving or Perpetuating the Problem?

September 03, 2024 Peter LiFariChris Brown
Taxes & Fees
Reining in Property Taxes: The Voters’ Choice at the 2024 November Ballot

Under Initiative 108 for every $1,000,000 in value, a commercial or agricultural property owner will save $1,754 in property taxes between 2024 and 2026.

August 13, 2024 Chris BrownLang Sias
Energy & Our Environment
Banning Oil and Gas in Colorado
Petro Nerds

PetroNerds special focuses on the proposed bill and ban on oil and gas permits in Colorado by 2030, an effective ban on all new oil and gas drilling.

March 20, 2024 Trisha CurtisChris Brown
Housing & Our Community
Denver homeownership costs have grown 3 times rate of wages: report
KDVR

Owning a home in Colorado is not nearly as affordable as it used to be.

February 01, 2024 Chris Brown
Ballot Issues
With Less than 3 Weeks Away from Election, Voters Still Undecided on Prop HH
CBS 11 News KKTV

Prop HH offers limited property tax relief and lifts the states spending limits, reducing future Tabor refunds,” said Chris Brown with CSI.

October 21, 2023 Chris Brown
Ballot Issues
HH Could Prop Up Education Funding
Aspen Daily News

Chris Brown of CSI said the Prop HH-generated state tax revenue could exceed the annual increase in the state's share of required education funding.

October 19, 2023 Chris Brown