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Cole Anderson

Deputy Director of Policy & Research

For media inquiries, please contact cinamon@csinstituteus.org

Cole Anderson is the Deputy Director of Policy & Research with Common Sense Institute. He joined CSI in June of 2022.
 
Before joining CSI, Cole attended the University of Denver where he double majored in Economics and Public Policy, fostering his passion for pressing policy issues. His work at CSI has covered a variety of topics including crime, healthcare, foster care, and workforce issues among other topics.
 
Cole is an avid skier and enjoys playing tennis in the warmer weather. Growing up in Minnesota, Cole is a diehard Minnesota sports fan and hopes to one day watch his favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings, win a Superbowl.
Expert's Work
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Jobs & Our Economy
Colorado Labor Market Update - January 2026

In January 2026, Colorado added 6,600 nonfarm jobs; government employment fell by 600 while private job growth was 7,200.

Energy & Our Environment
Public Access and Private Property: The Economics of Colorado River Access

This report will examine the legal framework surrounding the issue of what constitutes private property, to provide context for the ongoing debate. First, it will attempt to inform the entire discussion by

Workforce
Child Care Rule and Regulatory Recommendations to Improve Availability and Affordability

This report looks at possible rules or regulatory changes that could be made in Colorado to improve availability and affordability without compromising safety.

Jobs & Our Economy
Colorado Jobs and Labor Force Update – December 2025

In December, Colorado added 1,200 total nonfarm jobs. The state’s private sector gained 300 jobs, while government employment grew by 900 jobs.

January 27, 2026 Jimena SanchezCole Anderson
Common Sense Institute’s Cole Anderson discusses Denver’s Inflation Numbers
KOA Colorado

Cole Anderson discusses Denver's inflation numbers.

April 11, 2024 Cole Anderson
Jobs & Our Economy
Sandiaga Uno Targets Taylor Swift Concert in Indonesia for 'Swiftnomics' Boost
Jakarta Globe

Taylor Swift's two Denver Eras shows contributed an estimated $140 million (Rp 2.18 trillion) to Colorado's GDP.

February 22, 2024 Andy ArchuletaCole Anderson
Inflation in metro Denver took a big drop at end of 2023
The Denver Post

Index has been deflating since December, but rents remain stubbornly high.

February 15, 2024 Cole Anderson
Inflation update: Denver prices up but rising slower
The Colorado Sun

"That inflation is outpacing wage growth means that the difference between the two is shrinking, which is eating people’s savings” Anderson said.

December 16, 2023 Cole Anderson
Housing & Our Community
Mile High Report Card: Denver's State of the City

What is the state of our city? How is Mayor Mike Johnston addressing homelessness? Will housing prices continue to soar unaddressed? Are migrants top of mind for the administration?

July 29, 2024 Cole AndersonDJ Summers
Housing & Our Community
Denver's Multifront Battle: War on Fentanyl, Migrant Influx, and Property Tax Hikes

Welcome to the pilot episode of Colorado Clarity! Join hosts DJ Summers and Cole Anderson from the Common Sense Institute as they dive into the most pressing policy issues impacting Colorado today.

July 17, 2024 Cole AndersonDJ Summers