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.

Research

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Crime & Public Safety
Understanding Colorado’s Crime Trends: Local Progress, National Standing
Understanding Colorado’s Crime Trends: Local Progress, National Standing Introduction Colorado’s crime trends present a mixed picture: rates have fallen from…
Jobs & Our Economy
Colorado Labor Market Update – February 2026
Colorado Labor Market Update – February 2026 Summary Colorado lost 7,200 nonfarm jobs in February, all in the private sector.…
Jobs & Our Economy
Colorado Labor Market Update – January 2026
Colorado Labor Market Update – January 2026 Summary Colorado added 6,600 nonfarm jobs in January; government employment fell by 600…
Energy & Our Environment
Public Access and Private Property: The Economics of Colorado River Access
Public Access and Private Property: The Economics of Colorado River Access Introduction In 2005, stream mileage on the Elk River…

Podcasts

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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…
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…

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