Best A Dose Of Common Sense Podcasts (2024)

1
What Should We Do To Optimize RTD Ridership? featuring Kelly Brough and Daniel Hutton 35:28

3d ago35:28

35:28

What began as a relatively small-scale bus operation, RTD has grown to one of the Denver metro area’s most expansive pieces of infrastructure and a political arena of its own. Increasingly, the public is being asked to put more confidence into an organization of which it has cause to be skeptical. In the face of expansive plans, though, RTD serves …

1
A Breakdown of the 2024 Arizona Legislative Session featuring Katie Ratlief and Wayne Schutsky 38:32

4h ago38:32

38:32

Arizona's legislative session continues, and Common Sense Institute is here to discuss what's already unfolded and what remains to transpire. Specifically, we discuss the state budget and the critical areas of housing and homelessness. These topics are at the forefront of policy decisions and have significant implications for the future of the stat…

1
The Issue of Housing in the 2024 Colorado Legislature featuring Peter LiFari 33:13

8h ago33:13

33:13

Anybody in Colorado can agree that housing is at the top of the list our most pressing matters. It’s expensive, there doesn’t seem to be enough of it, people are afraid they won’t be able to keep their homes or that they’ll never buy one to begin with, and property taxes are going to make the expense issue that much worse. The Colorado legislature …

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - April 16, 2024 1:17:41

2M ago1:17:41

1:17:41

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, April 16, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: " From the State Capitol to the Kitchen Table: How Colorado Policy is Impacting Housing, Safety and Infrastructure." Our panelist…

1
Nearing the Finish Line: A Look Back and Ahead at the Colorado Legislative Session featuring Jake Zambrano 36:36

2M ago36:36

36:36

There is no shortage of public policy to pass through in Colorado in 2024. Legislators are trying to address a state in the throes of a housing affordability crisis, an infrastructure crunch, a crime wave, a post-inflation economic climate, a surge in migrants from the southern border, a statewide homelessness crisis, and a mental health crisis, on…

1
Caitlin Clarkonomics and the Impact on Iowa featuring Ben Murrey 31:19

2M ago31:19

31:19

University of Iowa’s homegrown star, Caitlin Clark, began her college basketball career playing in empty arenas at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now she competes in sold-out arenas wherever she goes—and for good reason. During her 4-year college career, Clark has broken countless records on the court and brought an unprecedented level of exc…

1
Crime Trends in Colorado featuring Paul Pazen 32:10

2M ago32:10

32:10

Few people in Colorado have not directly experienced crime. From property offenses to violent crimes, every crime leaves a traumatized victim. Whether the wounds are physical, psychological, or financial, it is important to acknowledge the profound effects that a crime can have on its victims. At Common Sense Institute, our goal is to address the e…

1
Tackling Homelessness in Arizona featuring Tom Simplot 24:57

3M ago24:57

24:57

Homelessness – and the provision of related services – has evolved into a substantial economic sector. While services are primarily provided by nonprofits, funding starts at the federal level and flows from federal, state, and local grantors into the nonprofit space. The funding and services are distributed through a vast national network of local …

1
Announcing the Launch of CSI Iowa featuring Joe Murphy and Ben Murrey 29:20

3M ago29:20

29:20

In January, CSI made a bold move to kick off 2024 and launched in two new states: Iowa and Oregon. Both states are already releasing new studies and engaging in the public policy arena. Along with its successful counterparts in Colorado and Arizona, as well as a newly launched chapter in Oregon, CSI Iowa is guided by a board of local leaders, each …

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - February 13, 2024 1:04:19

4M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, February 13, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: "Supply & Demand, What to Know About Today's Degrees and Tomorrow's Jobs." Our panelists included: Janine Davidson - President…

1
Diagnosis of Colorado’s Healthcare Industry featuring Dr. Reggie Washington 34:31

4M ago34:31

34:31

Colorado’s healthcare industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy. In addition to protecting Coloradans’ personal health and wellbeing, the healthcare industry supports 18% of all Colorado jobs. The underlying economic and policy conditions that impact the healthcare system are more favorable in Colorado than in most other states, accord…

1
The Economic Costs of Colorado's Foster Youth featuring John Farnam 28:22

4M ago28:22

28:22

Colorado’s foster care youth are a small but troubled section of society. Unfortunately, data is scarce for their life outcomes after they exit the system and, in some cases, when they are still inside it. To illustrate the economic impact of even a small sliver of the foster population, the report focuses on those aging out of the system. This is …

1
The Multifaceted Issue of Homelessness in Colorado featuring Donna Lynne 29:50

5M ago29:50

29:50

Over the last three years, Colorado has spent nearly $2 billion on homelessness, concentrated largely in the Denver metro region. While metro areas across the country have seen a surge of people experiencing homelessness, the Denver metro has some of the highest levels of growth among the areas the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development t…

1
Understanding and Solving Arizona's Budget Deficit featuring Danny Seiden and Glenn Farley 30:06

5M ago30:06

30:06

Over the past decade Arizona’s population and economy have grown rapidly, but more recent data suggests this pace is slowing. Today the state is facing the end of its fastest period of revenue and spending growth ever – over the past five years, General Fund revenue collections have grown 52%, while spending has increased by over two-thirds (to $17…

1
The 2024 Free Enterprise Report featuring Lang Sias, Glenn Farley and Dr. Steven Byers 43:47

5M ago43:47

43:47

The Free Enterprise Report is a marquis report that provides an objective, non-partisan, fact-based analysis of both the Colorado and Arizona economic landscapes and each state’s most pressing issues. The study is a year long undertaking and includes the CSI Economic Performance Index as well as a Free Enterprise Competitiveness Index across eight …

1
The 2024 National Western Stock Show featuring Paul Andrews 26:59

5M ago26:59

26:59

The National Western Stock Show, held annually in Denver since 1906, is known as the Super Bowl of livestock shows, and one of the most prestigious horse shows and rodeos in the world. Initially aimed at demonstrating better breeding and feeding techniques to local stockmen, the show has grown to become one of the world’s largest stock shows, attra…

1
Colorado’s Workforce Woes, Opportunities and Economic Mobility featuring Tamra Ryan and Scott Laband 37:07

6M ago37:07

37:07

Colorado’s labor force is facing an unprecedented shortage, and conventional trends alone won’t resolve the issue. The state’s tight labor market, with 2.7 jobs for every unemployed person, is resulting in a significant $46 billion loss in annual GDP. A substantial portion of the unemployed and marginally attached to the labor force are people with…

1
Where Have All the Condos Gone? featuring Peter LiFari, Ted Leighty and Bruce Likoff 38:53

7M ago38:53

38:53

Over the past fifteen years, Colorado condominium construction has experienced a severe decline. Condominium development between 2018 and 2022, across 11 front range counties which collectively house over 80% of Colorado’s population, was 76% lower than between 2002 and 2008. This amounted to 14 new apartments for every 1 new condo in recent years,…

1
A Chat with Guy Benson Ahead of the Free Enterprise Summit 30:07

7M ago30:07

30:07

Guy Benson is a well-known political commentator and media personality. He is among the roster of the 25 millennial broadcasters in American news and politics and served as a Media Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution and a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University's Institute of Politics. He is also the keynote speaker at our 2023 Free E…

1
A Vision and Framework for Colorado’s Energy Future featuring Tisha Schuller and Doug Benevento 34:19

7M ago34:19

34:19

In an ideal end state, Colorado’s energy would be affordable, reliable, and leave the smallest possible environmental footprint. To achieve this, energy would be appreciated as a central force that enables progress—rather than being viewed by legislators and policymakers as a necessary evil. Consumers would be empowered with choices that reflect th…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - September 26, 2023 1:12:24

8M ago1:12:24

1:12:24

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, September 26, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition featured discussion about Proposition HH: the Taxpayer Dilemma. The panel featured the following participants: Kelly Caufield - CSI Execu…

1
Proposition HH Explained by Gov. Bill Owens and Chris Brown 33:27

9M ago33:27

33:27

On November 7, 2023 Colorado voters will approve or reject Proposition HH, Property Tax Changes and Revenue Change Measures. Proposition HH was referred to the ballot by the State Legislature following the passage of SB23-303. As the title suggests, Proposition HH is a complex proposal. It modifies or reduces taxation rates and exemptions for multi…

1
The Implications of and Solutions for Learning Loss featuring Lisa Graham Keegan 38:45

9M ago38:45

38:45

In this episode of the Common Sense Digest, we dive deep into the pressing issue of learning loss and its far-reaching impact on education — and the economy. Joining us is a renowned expert in the field, Lisa Graham Keegan, a results-driven school choice advocate and former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction. Lisa is welcomed by Host and …

1
Quantifying the Cost of Crime in Colorado featuring George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey 28:16

10M ago28:16

28:16

Few people in Colorado have not directly experienced crime. From property offenses to violent crimes, every crime leaves a traumatized victim. Whether the wounds are physical, psychological, or financial, it is important to acknowledge the profound effects that a crime can have on its victims. At Common Sense Institute, our goal is to address the e…

1
The Economic Impacts of Colorado’s Sports and Tourism Industry featuring Kyle Dyer and Richard Scharf 34:53

10M ago34:53

34:53

Colorado boasts a wide array of natural beauty and tourist attractions which attracts millions of visitors to the state every year. Pristine nature, world-class skiing, and captivating sports teams all contribute to the robust inflow of tourists that Colorado welcomes. The revenue generated by the state’s diverse attractions supports a substantial …

1
Protecting Arizona’s Economic Competitiveness featuring Danny Seiden and Courtney Coolidge 25:02

11M ago25:02

25:02

Every year in Arizona, legislators introduce hundreds of bills, most of which are never enacted. This year, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“Arizona Chamber”) identified 67 “Job Killer” bills which would have imposed substantial new taxes, costs, or administrative burdens on Arizona businesses. Ultimately, none of these bills were ena…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & the Economy - June 13, 2023 1:12:05

12M ago1:12:05

1:12:05

In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, June 13, Common Sense Institute hosted Eggs & the Economy which featured an in-depth conversation from the State House to the walls of local government. The panel featured the following participants: Kelly Caufield - CSI Executive Direct…

1
A Comprehensive Look at Public Safety and Fighting Crime in Colorado featuring Paul Pazen 29:08

12M ago29:08

29:08

It’s no secret that Colorado has been hit with a crime wave. Skyrocketing crime rates, fentanyl deaths, and the number one rank in the country when it comes to auto thefts, are all factors that have put Colorado’s economic future at risk and made Coloradans less safe. Public safety plays a critical role in the economic vitality of a community. Incr…

1
CSI Mid-Year Wrap-Up featuring Lang Sias, George Brauchler and Kelly Caufield 50:11

1y ago50:11

50:11

As we near the year's midpoint, we take time to reflect on what we've accomplished and discuss where we go from here. It has been a busy year for Common Sense Institute, which means there is plenty of fertile ground to cover as we discuss the legislative session, touch on our studies and reports, and look ahead to election season and beyond. Host a…

1
Manufacturing Matters in Arizona featuring Steve Macias and Glenn Farley 32:14

1y ago32:14

32:14

Our recent report, The Economic Impact of Arizona’s Manufacturing Sector, demonstrates how the manufacturing sector has been one of the fastest growing parts of the Arizona economy over the past decade. In March, manufacturers added 2,000 jobs in Arizona (1st in the country), even as the overall labor market shrank. The manufacturing sector has for…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Coffee and Common Sense Arizona 5.2.23 32:05

1y ago32:05

32:05

In this special edition of Common Sense Digest Arizona, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, May 2, Common Sense Institute hosted Coffee & Common Sense: A Conversation About Arizona's Changing Economy. We welcomed an expert panel to discuss how Arizona's economy has transformed over the last decade, what's driving this, …

1
The 2023 Colorado Legilsative Session featuring Jordan Sanchez and Jake Zambrano 27:36

1y ago27:36

27:36

The Colorado legislative session wraps up imminently. The budget for 2023-2024 has passed, which outlines state spending totaling $41.1 billion. It’s a number larger than the GDP of Libya, Bolivia, Uganda, Iceland and dozens of other countries. $41.1 billion also represents a 4.2% increase over last year and the largest budget in Colorado history. …

1
Is Colorado as Economically Competitive As It Used To Be? featuring Loren Furman and Lang Sias 35:45

1y ago35:45

35:45

For much of the last two decades, Colorado has been very highly ranked among U.S. states for being business friendly. This has been reflected in state-by-state rankings extolling Colorado's relatively low tax rates, highly educated workforce, and high quality of life. These positive factors reinforced patterns that increased the size and scope of C…

1
What’s New in Housing? featuring Peter LiFari and Adam Burg 27:00

1y ago27:00

27:00

According to CSI Housing fellow Peter LiFari’s latest housing report, as of 2021, 80% of Coloradans live in a county with an aggregate housing supply shortage. As a result, home affordability has decreased by 85% since 2015. Now, as of 2022, Colorado is the 8th most unaffordable state for renters in the country. Governor Polis and leaders in the le…

1
Navigating the Benefits Cliff and Incentivizing Work in Colorado featuring Tamra Ryan and Juan Pena 44:02

1y ago44:02

44:02

In the coming weeks, CSI will release a report focused on how minimum wage policy and other benefits like Medicaid impact the state, employers, and workers. More than 1 of every 4 Coloradans, is currently on Medicaid. We believe this research that will help us better quantify the costs to the state’s growing budget and how we can ensure policy ince…

1
The Economic Impact of Arizona’s Sports and Tourism Sector featuring Kim Sabow and Glenn Farley 35:39

1y ago35:39

35:39

The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority estimated the impact of hosting the Super Bowl in 2015 to be $719.4 million. By all accounts, the upcoming 2023 event should be even larger. The entire sector of sports and tourism in Arizona, however, adds billions of dollars and thousands of jobs annually and independent of major events like the Super Bowl…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & the Economy - March 7, 2023 1:26:03

1y ago1:26:03

1:26:03

In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, March 7, Common Sense Institute hosted Eggs & the Economy which featured an in-depth conversation on the upcoming local election and the facts you need to know on issues that matter most - crime, housing, workforce and homelessness. The …

1
Is K-12 Education Moving Forwards or Backwards in Arizona? featuring Lisa Graham Keegan and Glenn Farley 44:29

1+ y ago44:29

44:29

For decades, the number one policy issue that’s been top-of-mind for most Americans is education. This comes as no surprise as our nation’s north star for leadership is sustainability: mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders. And lately, Common Sense Institute Arizona has been delving into crucial issues revolving around education p…

1
Evolving How We Transport Our Kids To School featuring Kelly Caufield and Jason Gaulden 27:01

1+ y ago27:01

27:01

The state of Colorado reimbursed $62 million to K–12 school districts for transportation costs last school year. This was just 21% of the $290 million it cost districts to get students to and from school. Some districts are working hard to modernize and streamline their services, but school transportation today does not look significantly different…

1
The 2023 Free Enterprise Report featuring Kelly Caufield, Chris Brown and Evelyn Lim 37:35

1+ y ago37:35

37:35

Colorado faces a crossroads as it emerges from a long economic winter and works to reopen businesses, support job creation, and regain a sense of normalcy for its residents. As restrictions loosen and people return to their everyday lives, Coloradans must grapple with how best to steer the state forward and continue to grow. The answer is the same …

1
The Bright Future of Common Sense Institute featuring Kelly Caufield and Katie Ratlief 37:33

1+ y ago37:33

37:33

Since its inception in 2010, Common Sense Institute's mission has been to examine the fiscal impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws so that Coloradans are educated and informed on issues impacting their lives. CSI employs rigorous research techniques and dynamic modeling to evaluate the potential impact of these measures on the Colorad…

1
The Future of Water in Colorado and the West featuring Jennifer Gimbel and Eric Kuhn 30:52

1+ y ago30:52

30:52

As Colorado continues to grow, one of the key issues the state faces is the reliable availability of water. When investing in our state, developers, businesses, and even the general population all face apprehension with what the future may hold with this key life-giving resource. Water is the lifeblood of any community and how the resource is manag…

1
Fentanyl’s Impact on Arizona featuring Glenn Farley and Jobe Dickinson 35:46

1+ y ago35:46

35:46

With the decriminalization of the possession and use of illegal drugs in some jurisdictions, the surge in migrant encounters along the U.S.-Mexico border, and the recent increase in fentanyl overdoses in Arizona, Common Sense Digest explores what impacts these events may have to law enforcement and the Arizona economy. With more than 2,000 fatal op…

1
The 2022 CSI Colorado Ballot Guide featuring Evelyn Lim and Chris Brown 35:50

1+ y ago35:50

35:50

From affordable housing to an income tax reduction, this November Colorado voters will face 11 different questions on their 2022 statewide election ballot. City & County of Denver residents will face 3 unique questions on their 2022 election ballot. Unfortunately wading through the ballot language of these measures does not always provide clear cho…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: On the Road to $1 Billion in Vehicles Stolen 32:55

1+ y ago32:55

32:55

Common Sense Digest proudly presents this special episode titled "On the Road to $1 Billion in Vehicles Stolen: The Data Trends Behind Colorado’s Motor Vehicle Theft Crisis." This follows our recently released report of the same name found at the link. Despite the complexity of the issues surrounding motor vehicle theft, there is a crystal-clear tr…

1
Will Proposition 123 Help the Affordable Housing Issue in Colorado? featuring Peter LiFari and Chris Brown 43:31

1+ y ago43:31

43:31

Housing affordability is one of the hottest topics in Colorado, and is likely to remain so. On this November's ballot Colorado voters will decide on the fate of Proposition 123, titled, “Dedicate Revenue for Affordable Housing.” To discuss this measure Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes CSI's Vice President of Policy and Research Chris Brown, a…

1
Dollars and Data: Education Funding and Achievement featuring Jason Gaulden and Brenda Dickhoner 30:08

1+ y ago30:08

30:08

As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, it leaves in its wake declining public school student enrollment and achievement, local, state, and federal dollars continue to flow to Colorado school districts in ever-larger amounts. Despite this, student achievement made only a modest recovery in English Language Arts (reading and writing) in 2022 after a huge …

1
The Impact of New Energy Codes on Colorado’s Fraught Housing Market Part 2 23:56

2y ago23:56

23:56

Following Part 1 of this series, we re-join Host and Chairman Earl Wright, CEO of the Colorado Association of Homebuilders and CEO of the HBA of Metro Denver, Ted Leighty, Founder of Confluence Companies Tim Walsh, and CSI 2022 Mike A. Leprino Fellow and report author Evelyn Lim. They continue their conversation about the state of the Colorado hous…

1
The Impact of New Energy Codes on Colorado’s Fraught Housing Market Part 1 25:29

2y ago25:29

25:29

The issue of housing is one we tackle repeatedly on Common Sense Digest because it touches every single Coloradan in some way and impacts the overall economic health and well-being of the state. Building off our recent report The Uncertain Future Cost of Colorado’s Energy Infrastructure and Housing Affordability, this first in a two-part series on …

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Affordable and Accessible Child Care: Colorado’s Workforce Challenge 1:01:45

2y ago1:01:45

1:01:45

This special episode of Common Sense Digest is brought to you by Colorado Politics and the Denver Gazette and hosted by Common Sense Institute and EPIC. The high cost of child care acts as a barrier for parents, particularly women, seeking to return to the workforce, exacerbating Colorado’s labor shortage. Join industry experts and policymakers in …

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