About Us

 

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

 

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

CSI’s mission is to examine the fiscal impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws so that Oregonians 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 Oregon economy and individual opportunity.

Common Sense Institute was founded in 2010 originally as Common Sense Policy Roundtable. CSI’s founders were a concerned group of business and community leaders who observed that divisive partisanship was overwhelming policymaking and believed that sound economic analysis could help Coloradans make fact-based and common sense decisions.

 


 

Guiding Principles:

 

  1. FREE ENTERPRISE

    Common sense policies should govern market structures with minimal interference while promoting ideas to flourish through competition and protecting individual rights.
  2. ECONOMIC VITALITY

    Promote or create a foundation of thoughtful policies for Oregon's economic vitality with a diversity of businesses to enhance the overall quality of life for all Oregonians.
  3. INDIVIDUAL OPPORTUNITY

    Enable opportunity for individuals and families to prosper, grow, and make Oregon home. We all should be afforded the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
  4. DYNAMIC RESEARCH

    Provide research that is based on fact and connects us through a diverse and dynamic economy. Policy changes can often have broad and long-term ripple effects. We utilize dynamic economic models, and other tools, to simulate economic impact scenarios across Oregon's economy.
  5. NON PARTISANSHIP

    We believe it is critical to work across the aisles on positive solutions to address Oregon's biggest challenges.