Common Sense Institute Colorado

Fentanyl continues to be a significant issue in Colorado, with over 1,200 drug overdose deaths attributed to the drug in 2023. Of these deaths, 59% were linked to illegally manufactured fentanyl, averaging roughly three fatalities per day. However, Vince Bzdek of The Gazette reports that there may be a shift in fentanyl access due to recent tariff increases that have impacted drug cartels in Mexico. This potential change could have far-reaching implications for the state’s ongoing battle with the fentanyl crisis. Read our report to learn more about Colorado's fentanyl problem: https://bit.ly/4c7kMrg Read the article: https://bit.ly/3RjCm1w

In an exclusive interview with Elyse Apel from The Center Square, Transportation Fellow Ben Stein explained that a lot of Colorado's transportation fees do not go to our roads. Over the long term, the resources available simply are insufficient to operate, maintain, and expand the state’s highway system to maintain appropriate service levels. To learn more about where transportation fees are going, read our report: https://bit.ly/4ikhwuY Read the article: https://bit.ly/4l5vpik

Announcing Our Speakers: Women in Banking Conference 2025 Happening: May 12–13, 2025 ???The Broadmoor | Colorado Springs ? We’re thrilled to unveil the speaker lineup for the upcoming Women in Banking Conference, a premier event dedicated to empowering women across the banking and financial services industry. ? Join us for two unforgettable days of insight, inspiration, and connection — all set against the stunning backdrop of The Broadmoor. ? Featured Speakers Include: ?Elizabeth Ramey – Principal Economist, Colorado Legislative Council Staff, Colorado General Assembly ?Monica Lintz – Administrative Director, Denver Health ?Debbie Brown – President, Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) ?Cynthia Leonard – Historian, The Broadmoor ?Jennifer Luce – Executive Vice President, FirstBank ?Judith Araujo – Associate, Stinson LLP ?Kelly Caufield – Executive Director, Common Sense Institute Colorado ?Steve Cosentino – Partner, Stinson LLP ?Lynn Granger – Executive Director, Colorado Oil & Gas Association ?Dustin A. Zvonek – Fellow, Common Sense Institute Colorado ?Jenifer Waller – President & CEO, Colorado Bankers Association ?Pam Brier – CEO, The Action Center ?Alison Morgan – Director of State Government Relations, Colorado Bankers Association ?Jenae Anderson – Colorado Market President, Comerica Bank ?Erica Sodos – Keynote Speaker, Erica Sodos Whether you're looking to grow as a leader, strengthen your network, or simply feel recharged — this conference is for you. ???Register here:?https://lnkd.in/gg9VuSGY ? #WomenInBanking #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #BankingIndustry #Empowerment #Networking #ColoradoEvents

ICYMI: This March Madness, Denver hosted four tournament games at Ball Arena. The event was projected to bring in $13-$23 million in gross domestic product to the metro area, driven by spending on lodging, food, transportation, and retail. Check out our report to learn more about how the tournament impacts the host cities: https://bit.ly/3DXtwmY

About 51% of Colorado is in a childcare desert. Tamra Ryan, CSI's Coors Economic Mobility Fellow, speaks to the factors behind that percentage. 10,200 mothers are sidelined from the labor force due to child care. If their child care issues were resolved, they could generate $3.787 billion in GDP and create 29,000 total jobs. To learn more about Colorado's childcare landscape, read our report: https://bit.ly/4f7LcJW Interesting in having live access to the next Eggs & the Economy? Register here for our June event: https://bit.ly/4ikCv0E #Colorado #Childcare #CSI

Although Colorado State suffered a heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss on Sunday, Denver still came out on top! Colorado was projected to generate at least $13 million in consumer spending from March Madness this year! For context, the average price for a one-bedroom room at the 13 hotels closest to Ball Arena scored a 40% spike during Round 32, compared to pre-tournament rates. Read our report to learn more about the impact of March Madness: https://bit.ly/3DXtwmY

Despite $200 million collected in transportation fees annually from Coloradans, the state's road conditions continue to deteriorate. According to the Reason Foundation, the state ranks 47th nationally in rural highway pavement condition and 45th for urban highway pavement. Learn more about where transportation funds are being allocated in CSI's full report by Transportation Fellow, Ben Stein: https://bit.ly/4ikhwuY

Colorado's condo development scene is feeling the heat. Over the past 15 years, the number of active developers has dropped by a staggering 84%, from 146 to just 23. High costs and construction liability laws are making developers think twice before diving into new condo projects. Read the report: https://bit.ly/4gV6lIk Read the article: https://bit.ly/4bONYDg

Data centers and AI are increasingly important topics for Colorado’s energy future. Lynn Granger, President & CEO of COGA, discussed these issues at March's Eggs & the Economy. As the use of AI tools like ChatGPT grows, so does Colorado’s energy demand. This is particularly challenging given the state’s clean energy goals, which could make it harder to meet the rising energy needs in the future. To learn more about the future of electricity in Colorado, read our report: https://bit.ly/40r1yaA Interested in joining our next Eggs & the Economy? Sign up here to reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/4ikCv0E #EnergyFuture #Colorado #AI #CSI

Ball Arena is bringing the heat this weekend! With two second-round games today and four first-round games on Thursday, Denver could see a $23M boost to its economy! Talk about a slam dunk for the city! ?? To learn more, read our report about the tournament: https://bit.ly/3DXtwmY Read the article on CBS 19: https://bit.ly/4iEK8ie