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Zachary Milne

Senior Economist & Research Analyst

For media inquiries, please contact cinamon@csinstituteus.org

Zachary Milne is the Senior Economist and Research Analyst for the Common Sense Institute AZ. Zachary works with the Arizona research team to craft important and thoughtful research concerning the Arizona economy.

Prior to CSI, Zachary attended Arizona State University, where he first attained a bachelor’s in economics and statistics, followed by a master’s degree in economics. Zachary has also worked in the Arizona Governor’s budget office, where he served as an economist. In this capacity he developed the state’s revenue forecasts, and advised a team of budget analysts on the creation of K-12 and Medicaid caseload figures for the State’s annual budget. He also advised the Executive policy and leadership teams on fiscal policy, and regularly presented detailed analyses on each of the dozens of tax bills introduced in the Arizona Legislature each year.

Zachary is originally from upstate New York, and is an enthusiastic NY Jets fan. He also served over eight years in the United States Air Force. He is a proud husband and father to four beautiful children.

Expert's Work
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Jobs & Our Economy
Arizona Jobs and Labor Force February 2026 Update

Arizona gained 11,000 non-farm jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis in February (+0.34%), the 2nd highest monthly gain in percentage terms among all states and D.C.

April 22, 2026 Zachary Milne
Jobs & Our Economy
The Inflation Hangover How the Post-Pandemic Price Surge Reshaped Affordability in America

In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans have experienced one of the most abrupt economic swings in modern history.

April 14, 2026 Zachary Milne
Jobs & Our Economy
A New Household Liquidity Measure – Is Debt Eating Arizona More Than Other States?

On January 8th, WalletHub released its most recent estimate of average credit scores across the states. In every state, the average credit score dropped compared to the prior year as households, some of the

Free Enterprise Report
2026 Free Enterprise Report

CSI's annual Free Enterprise Report analyzes the economic competitiveness of Arizona.

Jobs & Our Economy
Report: Arizona households paying nearly $10K more a year due to inflation
Longview News Journal

The Common Sense Institute's "Inflation Misery Index" said that inflation continues to have a stinging impact on Arizonans' wallets.

October 09, 2024 Zachary Milne
Ballot Issues
Rep. Ciscomani Releases New Ad Targeting Democrats’ Inflationary Policies
Arizona Free News

As reported by the Common Sense Institute of Arizona, as of September 2024, the average Phoenix household is spending $1,004/month more than they would have at a 2% inflation rate.

October 08, 2024 Zachary Milne
Ballot Issues
Prop. 312 would give tax refunds to property owners hit with homeless costs
Center Square

Arizona voters will have the opportunity to decide if property owners should be allowed to receive a property tax refund to cover “reasonable” costs accrued by unmitigated public nuisances related to homele

September 27, 2024 Glenn FarleyZachary Milne
Housing & Our Community
Court Upholds Order Requiring Phoenix To Clear Homeless Encampment and ‘BioHazard’ Known as ‘The Zone’
The New York Sun

“Homelessness-related service providers are a growing industry,” according to the Common Sense Institute, which estimates that public entities and nonprofits spend an estimated $1 billion annually directly

August 28, 2024 Glenn FarleyZachary Milne