Common Sense Institute Colorado

Colorado's labor force participation rate has dropped for four consecutive months, falling 1.3 percentage points over the last year. Only 3 of 11 job sectors saw growth over the same period. CSI's April labor market update tracks what's driving the trend. See what @AOL is saying: aol.it/4o17uT1 Read CSI's Jobs update: bit.ly/4tOr9qo

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice made the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy possible.

Colorado’s labor market saw strong growth in April, adding 11,800 nonfarm jobs. The private sector led the gains with 12,000 new jobs, while government employment declined by 200. Learn more by reading the full report: bit.ly/4tOr9qo

This morning @DJSummers13 joined The Jeff and Bill Show, to talk about CSI's latest report on county migration in Colorado. The analysis found that migration is slowing, with more movement occurring between counties rather than into the state. Read the full report for more insights: bit.ly/4dCTEBq Watch the full interview: bit.ly/3RUYl2c

All signs point to Weld County. 👈 Weld County has been booming over the last decade, with population growth hitting 33% compared to Colorado’s 10%. Learn more in our latest report: bit.ly/4dCTEBq

Colorado's population is still growing, but at a much slower pace than in past years. From 2015 to 2025, Colorado experienced roughly a 60% decline in population growth. Curious about how net migration and population patterns are changing across Colorado? Learn more here: bit.ly/4dCTEBq

We’re excited to announce @DustinZvonek as moderator for CSI’s Eggs & Economy on June 9! As CSI’s homelessness fellow, Dustin brings deep experience in public policy, economic development, and tackling Colorado’s toughest challenges with practical solutions. Join us for the conversation. Register today: bit.ly/4dbCr37

As Colorado lawmakers send a school funding measure to the November ballot, CSI's Dollars and Data research is part of the conversation. Check out @DenverChannel's coverage: bit.ly/3R7Ea0W Read CSI's research: bit.ly/470oUak

Big news! @Paul_Lundeen is joining CSI as our new Energy Fellow, bringing decades of leadership across public policy, business, and journalism. A former Colorado Senate Minority Leader and nationally recognized voice on energy and education, he’s built a career advancing freedom, opportunity, and practical solutions. We’re excited to have his expertise shaping the future of energy policy at CSI!

In 1996, only 46% of Colorado's total state spending was TABOR-exempt. By 2024, that share had grown to 74%, and lawmakers are looking to add more. CSI's research on Colorado's fee landscape puts the latest proposal in context. Read the @colo_politics article here: bit.ly/4tLZZke Read CSI's analysis: bit.ly/3J9GS1D

In 2024, Colorado ranked 48th in the country for the number of new business establishments per capita and last in the nation for employment losses tied to business closures. When businesses leave, jobs follow. CSI's latest research has the data. Check out the full report here: bit.ly/3PncQuT

Eggs & Economy: Budgets, Medicaid, Education, Transportation, Taxes, TABOR and More. Don’t miss CSI’s Legislative Recap featuring insights from Senator @Kyle_Mullica and Representative @RepCaldwell on June 9th at the AMG DOME. Register today. Space is limited! bit.ly/4dbCr37

What could Colorado's participation in the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit mean for students and the economy? CSI's latest research points to billions in economic output, thousands of new jobs, and tens of thousands more students gaining access to schools of their choice. Read the @ColoradoSun piece here: bit.ly/4tUSVCA Check out CSI's analysis: bit.ly/3NUGG9o

In 2015, Colorado ranked 3rd in the nation for domestic migration. By 2025, it ranked 48th. CSI's Census data analysis examines the trends behind Colorado's dramatic drop in popularity and what it could mean for Colorado's economic future. Read the article here: bit.ly/4ubaoXq CSI's Census Study: bit.ly/4tpnaS5

Join Common Sense Institute on June 9 for Eggs & the Economy at the DOME, where we’ll break down the biggest outcomes from the session - what passed, what didn’t, and what it all means for Colorado’s future. More details to come on legislative panelists soon. Registration is now open. Hope to see you there! 🥚 Save your seat here 👇 bit.ly/42wY33E

CSI's latest report finds Colorado’s proposed employer healthcare coverage mandate, HB26-1327, could come with unintended economic consequences for businesses and workers alike. CSI’s research estimates the policy could produce: • $106M+ in additional annual employer costs beginning in FY2031 • 1,041 fewer jobs by 2035 • $1.47B in lost cumulative business sales from 2027–2035 • 46,400 Medicaid-enrolled workers subject to the bill Learn more in the full report: bit.ly/4ndXhlI

Opening private sections of Colorado’s rivers to expanded public access wouldn’t just spark legal battles - it could also come with a massive price tag. Because Colorado has never declared a river navigable, any effort to expand floating or wading rights would require years of legal review, property determinations, and likely constitutional takings litigation. The potential cost to taxpayers? Tens of billions of dollars if private water rights and property values are impacted. Read Gov. @billritterjr's op-ed: bit.ly/4nfsZPz Learn more in CSI's analysis: bit.ly/4suVNot

Despite moderate job growth in March, Colorado's year-over-year employment trends are still poor. After a sharp drop in February, the state added 1,400 jobs in March, with nearly all gains coming from the private sector. A step in the right direction but Colorado still ranks just 41st in job growth over the past year. Learn more in the report: bit.ly/42Yc3nf

CSI's March labor force update is live! After a sharp decline in February, the state added 1,400 nonfarm jobs - with most of the gains coming from the private sector. Leisure & hospitality and health services led employment growth, each adding 1,800 jobs. Learn more in the full report: bit.ly/42Yc3nf

#1 for the wrong reason. Colorado had the largest net employment loss per capita attributable to establishment births and deaths in 2024. It was one of just 6 states with declines in both net establishments and employment. Learn more in the full report: bit.ly/3PncQuT