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We envision a Colorado where people-centered policies advance prosperity and equity for all.

Through high quality research, advocacy, strategic communications, and deep partnerships the Colorado Fiscal Institute addresses one of the most urgent challenges: how tax, budget, and economic policies can create widespread prosperity.

Featured Insights

Report: Education Without Exceptions

Higher education expands opportunity and strengthens Colorado’s economy—but not everyone has equal access to it. In Education Without Exceptions, Colorado Fiscal Institute senior economist Chris Stiffler and policy analyst Sophie Shea…
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Our Key Issues

We address a range of economic and fiscal challenges confronting Colorado’s communities, including taxes, budgets and TABOR, economy and affordability, and workers' rights. Discover our key issues and learn how we are committed to fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all Coloradans.

Taxes, TABOR, & Budget

We advocate for fair and sustainable fiscal policies that support our shared investments in a thriving economy and prosperity for all

People-Centered Economy

We advocate for economic policy solutions that invest in the people and structures that form the foundation of a strong economy where all Coloradans thrive.

Environmental Justice

We use research to shed light on the impact of climate change on our natural environment, giving policymakers the tools they need to protect and manage our land, air, and water.

Housing

We work alongside housing advocates across the state to champion fiscal policies that effectively address the growing demand for affordable housing in Colorado.

Immigration

We promote policies that improve the economic well-being of Colorado immigrants so that all Coloradans have access to the resources and opportunities to allow them to reach their full potential.

Workers' Rights

We fight to change economic policy in order to build worker power to deliver true opportunity and prosperity for all.

CFI's Legislative Priorities

We promote sound and responsible tax and budget policies that check growing income and racial inequality, that enhance transparency and accountability of government, and that support broad economic opportunity and prosperity.

Popular Resources

Budget Basics 101

How big is the state budget and where does the money come from? Who sets the budget and how? What restrictions is the state budget under? Our budget basics answer your most burning questions.

Colorado Budget Basics

Colorado Tax Basics

Colorado TABOR Basics

Federal Budget & Taxes

Our Latest Reports

Report: Immigrants Fund Public Programs They Can’t Use

Undocumented immigrants play a vital role in Colorado’s economy—and they contribute far more than they receive. In 2022 alone, they paid hundreds of millions in taxes that help fund public programs like Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance, even though they are excluded from accessing these benefits. In this report, Sophie Shea, policy analyst at […]

Report: Education Without Exceptions

Higher education expands opportunity and strengthens Colorado’s economy—but not everyone has equal access to it. In Education Without Exceptions, Colorado Fiscal Institute senior economist Chris Stiffler and policy analyst Sophie Shea explore how recent federal executive orders threaten access to in-state tuition for Colorado students, particularly those from immigrant communities. The report highlights how college graduates […]

JobsWatch Quarterly Report

he quarterly JobsWatch Report from the Colorado Fiscal Institute offers important insights into Colorado’s workforce and economy. At CFI, we are committed to the belief that a robust economy prioritizes policies that focus on the individuals who drive it—particularly the workers. By leveraging job data as a crucial resource, we can advocate for policies that […]

Report: Immigrants Fund Public Programs They Can’t Use

Undocumented immigrants play a vital role in Colorado’s economy—and they contribute far more than they receive. In 2022 alone, they paid hundreds of millions in taxes that help fund public programs like Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance, even though they are excluded from accessing these benefits. In this report, Sophie Shea, policy analyst at […]

Report: Education Without Exceptions

Higher education expands opportunity and strengthens Colorado’s economy—but not everyone has equal access to it. In Education Without Exceptions, Colorado Fiscal Institute senior economist Chris Stiffler and policy analyst Sophie Shea explore how recent federal executive orders threaten access to in-state tuition for Colorado students, particularly those from immigrant communities. The report highlights how college graduates […]

JobsWatch Quarterly Report

he quarterly JobsWatch Report from the Colorado Fiscal Institute offers important insights into Colorado’s workforce and economy. At CFI, we are committed to the belief that a robust economy prioritizes policies that focus on the individuals who drive it—particularly the workers. By leveraging job data as a crucial resource, we can advocate for policies that […]

CFI Events

Your Front-row Seat to Colorado's Fiscal Policy

Join CFI at our events to keep informed about the latest fiscal developments in Colorado and engage in the fair tax movement.

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We simplify complex topics, from tax reforms to budget updates, to keep you informed about the policy decisions that affect our communities.
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Star-Spangled Inequality: How Our Tax Rules Hurt Coloradans

This Fourth of July feels bittersweet. While it’s a day to celebrate freedom, many are left wondering whether the very programs that help secure “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”—like SNAP, Medicaid, and public education—are at risk of being dismantled. Tell Congress to reject these cuts. Act now to contact your federal representatives. True […]

Report: Immigrants Fund Public Programs They Can’t Use

Undocumented immigrants play a vital role in Colorado’s economy—and they contribute far more than they receive. In 2022 alone, they paid hundreds of millions in taxes that help fund public programs like Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance, even though they are excluded from accessing these benefits. In this report, Sophie Shea, policy analyst at […]

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