Institute

“One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.”

Milton Friedman
2024 Policy Agenda – Moving Colorado Forward

Advance Colorado Institute is a think tank that advances principles and ideas that a majority of Coloradans care about. It focuses on policies that provide more opportunity for more Coloradans. We know that policy battles never end, and in order to create a freer and more prosperous Colorado, we need to promote limited government, free enterprise, low taxes, public safety, and the Colorado values that have made our state a great place to live.

Property Taxes

Coloradans are facing the largest property tax increase in state history, with some areas of the state experiencing tax hikes of 30 percent or higher. The Governor and Legislature could have meaningfully addressed this crisis in 2023 — or the current session — but instead offered the tax-increasing, TABOR-refund-killing Proposition HH, which was defeated in a landslide in November. For many Coloradans, a double-digit property tax increase is an unsustainable hit to the family budget.

Initiative #50 Overview

Model Local Policies

At a time when Americans’ trust in the federal government is at rock bottom, citizens in Colorado and across the country are increasingly relying on local government to tackle today’s toughest problems, including homelessness, mental health, and crime. With more than two-thirds of Americans expressing faith in the ability of local governments to effectively address difficult challenges, according to a recent Gallup survey, it’s important to examine how Colorado counties and municipalities are winning these battles. At the Advance Colorado Institute, we have taken an in-depth look at best practices and compiled examples of model policies that other local governments can and should enact.

Local Government Solutions to Colorado’s Toughest Challenges

Affordability

Colorado is becoming less and less affordable. Housing, energy, groceries, and childcare costs are all up. Overall, inflation has increased 9.1% in the Denver Metro area over the previous year. On top of that, legislators raised the gas fee and property taxes last year. Colorado needs thoughtful leaders to address these critical issues.

Affordability

Education

Colorado must adopt an “all of the above” approach to educational options. Whether parents choose to send their kids to district schools, public charter schools, private schools, or decide to homeschool them, everyone should have access to quality options. Colorado also needs more accountability. Only 58% of education dollars are actually going towards instruction. We must address this now. Our children don’t have the luxury of time.

Education

Income Tax

Amid high inflation and high gas prices, Coloradans want to lower the state income tax. Our state government is seeing record growth, and we need to put more money back into people’s pockets. With inflation well over 8% and far outpacing wage growth, Colorado should continue to make modest cuts to our income tax to remain competitive with other states.

Income Tax

Public Safety

Colorado is in the midst of a crime tsunami. According to a recent study by the Common Sense Institute, crime is 28% higher than it was in 2011. Property crime rates and auto thefts are among the highest in the entire country. And violent crime is at a 25-year high. We must do better!

Public Safety

Let's keep this momentum going

We’re grateful for your continued support and have big plans for 2024. Help spread the word and stay engaged as we work to return Colorado to the special place we know it to be and love.