Data collected by Metro Denver Homeless Initiative reveals just how much the homelessness crisis is impacting Coloradans. Since 2019, homelessness across the Denver metro area has nearly doubled. Read CSI's full report to learn how homelessness in the Denver metro area has

Last week, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon joined Ross Kaminsky to discuss his energy perspective and goals. Last month, Governor Gordon also participated in CSI’s Energy in Momentum Mining event. His insights and leadership continue to reflect a deep understanding of the complex issues

Falling birth rates are projected to cause Colorado to lose more than 15,000 children under age 18 by 2030, that is roughly the equivalent of the entire Thompson R2-J school district. CSI reports that this prolonged decrease in fertility rates could pose challenges for K–12

Colorado’s overdose and crime rates have begun to decline—but both remain significantly above pre-2020 levels. In 2024, fentanyl-related deaths still cost the state $13.1 billion in economic losses. Explore the full report: bit.ly/4e9jzQY

Feeling the pinch in your wallet? Denver prices increased by 1% between March and May — the largest jump in nearly two years. D.J. Summers joined KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM to break down what’s driving the change. Read more in CSI’s latest inflation report: commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/resea…

Since the passage of HB22-1326, Colorado has seen a decline in fentanyl-related overdose deaths. The 2022 law increased penalties for possession and distribution and funded treatment and education programs. Early data suggests it's having an impact. Read CSI’s full analysis of

If TABOR had been repealed before 2021, Coloradans would have paid $1.9 billion more in personal taxes and received $7.3 billion less in transfer payment. Learn more about the economic impacts of TABOR here: commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/resea… Read the The Center Square article here:

Colorado ranks 30th in drug overdose deaths—its worst standing since 2015. Despite recent progress, the state still faces one of the highest overdose rates in the nation. In 2024 alone, fentanyl-related deaths cost Colorado $13.1 billion, or $2,220 per resident. Explore the

CSI's study on future electricity costs based on the Colorado Energy's Office own report, suggested that electricity prices are projected to grow at more than three times the rate of inflation and nearly 13 times the growth rate from 2010 to 2020. Learn more in CSI's full

Did you know fentanyl-related overdose deaths cost around $2,220 per Coloradan? In 2024, the total cost of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Colorado was $13.1B. To learn more about the effect of fentanyl on Colorado's economy, read CSI's report: commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/resea…

This week, we’re excited to spotlight Judah! Judah is a Daniels Fund Scholar Junior Fellow currently working with the Colorado team. We're glad to have you on board!

There are 1,369 DNA kits in the state’s backlog. If all of them were processed, Colorado could prosecute up to 200 rape cases. This would also prevent: - up to 1,030 sexual assaults - 108 other violent crimes - 230 property offenses - 113 drug/alcohol, public disorder, and other

Colorado’s fentanyl crisis came with a $13.1 billion price tag last year. ABC 7 takes a closer look at the findings from CSI’s latest report. Get the facts in our full report: bit.ly/4e9jzQY WATCH⬇️

Colorado’s unemployment rate is holding at 4.8% for the third month in a row—the highest since 2021 and still above the national average of 4.2%. Historically, Colorado has trended below the national rate. Learn more in CSI's full report: commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/resea…

Look who dropped by the office! Great to see Ben Stein, our Transportation Fellow, and Ross Kaminsky, our Mike A. Leprino Free Enterprise Fellow. Always love catching up with our amazing team!

Coloradans are spending less when you account for inflation and population. Statewide taxable sales fell 1.9% in 2024 compared to 2023—from $144.9B to $142.1B in today’s dollars. Even though sales grew slightly on paper (+1.1%), real purchasing power declined. CSI breaks

Government vs. Private Sector Growth Over the last 12 months, government jobs in Colorado have grown faster than private sector jobs. – Government: +12,000 jobs – Private sector: +10,200 jobs Find out more in CSI's latest Labor Force update: commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/resea…

If the CBI follows through on its plan to outsource testing and train more DNA scientists, every case currently in the backlog will be completed by next September. This processing speed will prevent: - 1,030 sexual crimes - 108 other violent crimes - 343 non-violent crimes

Real Spending Drops in Denver Even with prices rising, people in Denver are spending less overall. After adjusting for inflation and population, Denver County’s taxable sales fell 2.5%—from $21.8B in 2023 to $21.3B in 2024. This suggests a real slowdown in local economic

Yesterday, DJ Summers spoke at the Glenwood Springs Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Summit in Rifle! Did you know that new residential impact fees in Grand Junction would reduce the supply of new units by 8.4% and raise the average housing price by almost 1%? To