Colorado state government is often lauded as a pioneer in evidence-based policy (EBP), with Governor Polis leading the charge. The Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) has been a trailblazer, integrating EBP into budget decisions and partnering with the University of Denver’s Colorado Evaluation & Action Lab. Despite these strides, the implementation of EBP faces challenges, from hasty decision-making to reliance on outdated research. Moreover, Colorado's policy landscape reveals a gap: the absence of a nonpartisan institute dedicated solely to high-quality, unbiased data to guide decision-making. Read more about the state's journey and the opportunities ahead in our detailed analysis.

Recent research uncovers a significant gap in the application of evidence-driven, highly-customized research at critical decision-making points in policy. Despite deep political divides, a surprising consensus exists among Americans on vital issues like clean air, affordable healthcare, and quality education. Polls show that up to 93% of Americans agree on major policy areas, yet effective action remains elusive. The solution? Bridging this "missing middle" with timely, credible data to inform decisions. Discover how the Institute of Evidence-based Policymaking aims to harness this potential and drive better policy outcomes, positioning Colorado as a leader in bipartisan, data-driven governance.