Advancing People-Centered Economic & Fiscal Policy in Colorado

We are a recognized leader in high quality research, strategic communications, and advocacy to champion equitable fiscal and economic policies in Colorado.

We envision a Colorado where people-centered policies advance

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

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.
Colorado State Capitol with Denver skyline in the background
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

When State Taxes Rise, Who Leaves?

What the research says about whether higher taxes cause wealthy households and businesses to leave—and what that means for Colorado. Colorado’s tax code is unusual. The state has a flat income tax, meaning a gas station cashier and a millionaire pay the same income tax rate. Colorado also relies heavily on sales taxes, property taxes, […]

Report: Federal Tax Credit Scholarships

The new federal tax credit scholarship program creates a parallel education funding structure in which private scholarship organizations control the distribution of publicly subsidized scholarship funds, raising questions about transparency, oversight, and alignment with Colorado’s broader public education goals.

2025 Annual Report

From the Capitol to communities statewide, see how CFI advanced fair tax policy and fought for Colorado families in 2025.

When State Taxes Rise, Who Leaves?

What the research says about whether higher taxes cause wealthy households and businesses to leave—and what that means for Colorado. Colorado’s tax code is unusual. The state has a flat income tax, meaning a gas station cashier and a millionaire pay the same income tax rate. Colorado also relies heavily on sales taxes, property taxes, […]

Report: Federal Tax Credit Scholarships

The new federal tax credit scholarship program creates a parallel education funding structure in which private scholarship organizations control the distribution of publicly subsidized scholarship funds, raising questions about transparency, oversight, and alignment with Colorado’s broader public education goals.

2025 Annual Report

From the Capitol to communities statewide, see how CFI advanced fair tax policy and fought for Colorado families in 2025.

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.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

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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Alternative Tax Facts Have Entered the Chat

The Colorado Capitol is not haunted, Initiative 195 does not raise taxes on everyone, and other things we apparently need to clarify. Actual text message. It’s giving Dracula, but instead of being scared by someone with fangs, we’re apparently scared of a fair tax system. On Monday, Aug. 3, supporters of Initiative 195 delivered more […]

Gathering Signatures for Initiative 195: What I Learned

A Colorado Fiscal Institute fellow reflects on gathering signatures for Initiative 195 and the common ground he found across languages and communities. By William Ashford PCF, aka Protect Colorado’s Future, the coalition behind Initiative 195, was the first of dozens of acronyms I was tasked with learning on my first day as a public interest […]