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Steven L. Byers, Ph.D.

Chief Economist

For media inquiries, please contact cinamon@csinstituteus.org

Steven Byers’s is Common Sense Institutes Senior Economist and has been with CSI since 2022. Steven is responsible for conducting research on issues important to the Colorado economy.

Prior to joining CSI, Steven spent three years working for the Coalition for a Prosperous America, a nonprofit organization consisting of manufacturing, agricultural, labor, consumer, and citizen interest groups, where he conducted research on the U.S. economy, international trade, and tariffs. Highlights of this research include a paper titled, “Decoupling from China – An Economic Analysis of the Impact on the U.S. Economy of a Permanent Tariff on Chinese Imports” for which he and a co-author won the National Association for Business Economics Edmund A. Mennis Contributed Paper Award. Steven’s experience as an economist spans twenty-three years, including work at federal regulatory agencies (SEC, CFTC, PCAOB) and quantitative economic analysis supporting international trade litigation cases brought before the U.S. International Trade Commission. His Ph.D. dissertation topic was based on a computable general equilibrium model (CGE) he developed to evaluate the economic impact of regional tax incentives in a small city (Fort Collins, CO).

Steven is a fifth generation Coloradan, is an avid bicyclist, golfer, sailor, and builds house and fine furniture in his spare time.

Expert's Work
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Ballot Issues
Ballot Measure 118: A Seismic Change to Oregon's Tax System

Over the next few weeks, Oregonians will be voting on a measure that would fundamentally change the tax revenue structure for both households and businesses in Oregon.

Energy & Our Environment
Oregon's Energy Competitiveness Index

Aside from its reliance on the coastal refinery network, Oregon has traditionally had access to relatively affordable and reliable energy sources.

July 25, 2024 Steven L. Byers, Ph.D.
Crime & Public Safety
Oregon Public Safety Competitiveness Index

Oregon has a problem with crime, homelessness, and drugs, ranking the state forty-six worst in the nation for public safety. Despite increasing spending on public safety per capita by 48.1% from 2011 to 202

May 23, 2024 Steven L. Byers, Ph.D.
State Budget
Oregon Government Budget Competitiveness Index

Oregon ranks middle of the pack at 23rd in the nation regarding its government budget competitiveness.

April 02, 2024 Steven L. Byers, Ph.D.