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Mark McMullen

Vice President of Policy & Research

For media inquiries, please contact cinamon@csinstituteus.org

Mark McMullen brings a wealth of expertise to CSI, having served as the longest-tenured Chief Economist for the State of Oregon under three governors. Serving under a fourth governor as interim Chief Economist his first year, Mark accumulated 14 years of invaluable experience in the governor’s office. Before joining CSI, Mark held prominent roles, including Director of Consulting at Moody’s Analytics and researcher at the Congressional Budget Office. He earned his undergraduate degree from Pomona College and completed his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Mark’s dedication to Oregon extends beyond his professional career. He chaired the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors and contributed to task forces addressing critical issues such as wildfires, COVID response, and student success. Additionally, he actively participated in various economic organizations, including the Workforce and Talent Development Board, Oregon Council of Economic Education, Oregon Government Finance Officers Association, and Oregon Banker’s Association.

With strong ties to Oregon’s heritage, Mark’s family roots in farming and timber work have shaped his understanding of the state’s economic landscape. Alongside his professional accomplishments, Mark finds joy in his 27-year marriage and cherishes time spent with his three adult children.

Expert's Work
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Jobs & Our Economy
Oregon Jobs and Labor Force Update - January 2025

Oregon's labor market closed out 2025 with an average of 9,000 fewer jobs than the prior year, as weakness spread across most industries and the unemployment rate climbed to its highest level outside a rece

April 01, 2026 Serra KirschMark McMullen
Taxes & Fees
Washington Takes the Gamble: Now, 40,000 Make Their Decision

Common Sense Institute analyzes Washington State's Senate Bill 6346, which proposes a 9.9% income tax on earnings over $1 million — a move that would take Washington from having no income tax to the fifth h

Free Enterprise Report
Free Enterprise Report: 2026 Edition

The Free Enterprise Report is a marquis report that provides an objective, non-partisan, fact-based analysis of the Oregon economic landscape.

Jobs & Our Economy
Inflation in the Pacific Region-January 2026

Pacific-region inflation remained above the national average in January 2026, with CPI-U up 2.9% year over year versus 2.4% nationally, and up 0.4% from November to January. While headline inflation is cool

February 13, 2026 Serra KirschMark McMullen
Healthcare
Data suggests cost of fentanyl to Oregon hospitals in the billions
KCBY

The research looked at OHA data to determine the cost of overdose deaths to the state's medical system.

June 27, 2024 Mark McMullen
State economist reflects on 14 years on the job
Portland Tribune

For Mark McMullen, who just wrapped up more than 13 years as Oregon’s state economist, coming to Oregon was both difficult and easy.

June 19, 2024 Mark McMullen
Say goodbye to the state economist who is 'always wrong'
Oregon Capital Insider

After a dozen years of always being wrong, McMullen is heading out the state government door.

May 30, 2024 Mark McMullen
Taxes & Fees
Another ‘kicker’ tax refund could be in the works for Oregon taxpayers
OPB

Economists cautioned that the potential of a $582 million refund was still shaky, with warning signs on the horizon.

May 29, 2024 Mark McMullen
Ballot Issues
The Potential Impacts of Oregon Ballot Measure 118 featuring Lynn Snodgrass

This November Oregon voters will decide on Ballot Measure 118.

September 16, 2024 Mark McMullen
Introducing Common Sense Institute Oregon featuring Mark McMullen

In January, CSI made a bold move to kick off 2024 and launched in two new states: Iowa and Oregon. Tune in for more information.

June 25, 2024 Mark McMullen