Common Sense Institute Oregon

Today, we officially welcome CSI Oregon to our family! Get ready for groundbreaking research and unbiased policy analysis in the Beaver State. #CSI_OR

Attracting new businesses to Oregon isn’t easy right now. Instead of chasing what’s new, CSI’s Mark McMullen points to a smarter path: invest in the businesses already here. Strengthening Oregon-grown industries could be the key to long-term economic momentum. Learn more by reading the full article: bit.ly/3NC8G1s Read CSI's latest jobs and labor force update: bit.ly/3LQUSzm

Oregon ranked 50th nationally in public safety competitiveness in 2024. The state has seen sharp increases in overdose deaths over the past decade, moving from 10th fewest to 5th most overdose deaths among states. Recent data show improvement, but challenges tied to crime, homelessness, and drug use remain. Learn more in the full report: bit.ly/4rv78nW

The state ranks 5th nationally in infrastructure competitiveness, down from 2nd in 2011 and 2017. While commute times and broadband access remain competitive, Oregon’s road and bridge condition rankings have weakened relative to other states. Explore the full findings in CSI’s Free Enterprise Report: bit.ly/4rv78nW

According to CSI’s 2024 Free Enterprise Report, Oregon ranks 42nd nationally in housing competitiveness. Mortgage affordability remains a key challenge, with the state ranking 41st in hours required to pay a mortgage, while housing construction activity has not kept pace with growing demand. Learn more in the full report: bit.ly/4rv78nW

According to CSI’s Free Enterprise Report, Oregon’s Free Enterprise Competitiveness ranking fell from 31st in 2011 to 46th in 2024. The change reflects shifts across multiple policy and economic indicators that influence a state’s long-term competitiveness. Read the full report to learn more: bit.ly/4rv78nW

CSI’s Mark McMullen spoke with @sourceweekly about Oregon's population stagnation and what it means for the economy. With job growth slowing significantly and unemployment remaining above the national average, he emphasized that the focus shouldn’t just be on attracting new organizations — it should be on investing in and supporting the businesses already here. Read CSI's latest Jobs & Labor Force update: bit.ly/3LQUSzm Read Mark's takes with the Source: bit.ly/3ZL0s9H

Consumer prices in the Midwest are now 26.1% higher than in early 2020. As a result, the typical Iowa household is spending about $1,283 more per month—totaling over $50,000 in additional costs—just to maintain the same standard of living. Learn more in CSI's latest inflation report: bit.ly/406Nhjt

Inflation in the Pacific region continues to run above the national average. Over the last year, inflation has increased by 2.9% compared to a 2.4% increase in the U.S. city average. Learn more by reading the full report: commonsenseinstituteus.org/oregon/researc…

According to a new CSI report, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching generated more than $1.2 billion in statewide spending in 2019, supporting thousands of jobs, especially in rural communities. When Oregonians head outdoors, the economic ripple travels far. Dive into the full analysis in our report: bit.ly/4qfS0da

CSI modeled the impact of reintroducing liability waivers in Oregon and found that a 5–15% reduction in insurance costs could support: • 2,582–8,373 additional jobs • $175M–$575M in added GDP • $298M–$980M in increased business sales • $170M–$551M in higher personal income in 2027 alone For outdoor businesses operating on thin margins, liability policy shapes costs, hiring, and investment decisions. Learn more: bit.ly/4qfS0da

NEW Jobs & Labor force update! Oregon nonfarm payroll employment declined by 2,200 jobs in December, reversing modest gains earlier in the fall. Learn more: bit.ly/3LQUSzm

According to CSI's latest jobs & labor force analysis, the unemployment rate held at 5.2%, remaining well above the national rate. In contrast, initial unemployment insurance claims have moved higher and appear to have passed an inflection point. Learn more: bit.ly/3LQUSzm

Home equity is how most Oregonians build wealth. With changes in construction defect liability laws, condos and multifamily spaces have become another option for many people to invest in. Hear more of what Mark has to say in the full interview: youtube.com/watch?v=f0BioN… Read CSI's housing research: commonsenseinstituteus.org/oregon/researc…

What’s holding back the Pacific Northwest’s economic momentum? CSI’s Mark McMullen breaks it down: the path forward runs through capital investment and higher productivity across businesses. Watch the full podcast: youtube.com/watch?v=f0BioN… Read CSI's housing research: commonsenseinstituteus.org/oregon/researc…

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader whose vision of equality and opportunity continues to inspire us in 2026. His words remind us of the power and importance of action, and the enduring strength of community.

CSI Oregon’s Mark McMullen, VP of Policy & Research, joins Multifamily Marketwatch® to break down why Oregon continues to struggle to meet housing production goals, and what the data say about financing, permitting delays, costs, and long-term affordability. This conversation is a must-listen, digging into the barriers behind housing feasibility and why there’s no “silver bullet” solution. ▶️ Tune in: youtube.com/watch?v=f0BioN… ▶️ Read CSI's housing research: commonsenseinstituteus.org/oregon/researc…

Celebrating one year of Thomas Young at CSI Thank you for bringing curiosity, insight, and excellence to everything you do - we’re grateful to have you on the team!

Happy New Year from all of us at Common Sense Institute! As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue exploring the ideas and policies that impact everyday lives. Thank you for being part of our community. We’re grateful for your support and engagement, and we can’t wait to keep working together for a brighter future.

Oregon’s estate tax reaches far beyond the ultra-wealthy. CSI found that 1,668 estates valued at $2.5M or less paid $75 million in estate taxes—an average hit of $45,000 per family. With a $1M exemption that hasn’t been adjusted since 2002, more middle-class Oregonians are getting caught as home values rise. As Steve Duin notes, this is increasingly shaping retirement and relocation decisions—and CSI’s data shows why. Read CSI's full report: bit.ly/4iZiFs3 Read the article: bit.ly/498RwiH

Merry Christmas from all of us at CSI! Wishing you a relaxing and joyful holiday.