Research
The BRD is best recognized for its forward-looking economic research; industry support; and the Colorado Business Economic Outlook, the longest-running annual forecast of the Colorado economy. A sample of our projects appears below; contact us for information on projects conducted prior to 2000.
Economic Impact
Incentivize Success! Phase I Final Report (2009) (PDF)
The IS! Plan is a proposed federal stimulus program that supports successful businesses by guaranteeing loans, discounting rates, and providing tax credits for retraining and upgrading America’s workforce. The plan offers support to firms that are on a trajectory of growth. This study illustrates the need, quantifies the economic and fiscal impacts, and elicits critique from bankers and business leaders of the IS! Plan.
CO-LABS Economic Impact Study: The Impact of Federally Funded Research Laboratories in Colorado (2008) (PDF)
This study quantified the economic impacts that federal research facilities and their university affiliates have on Boulder, Jefferson, and Larimer counties, the Denver Metro region, and the state of Colorado.
The Impact of Federal Government Facilities in the Denver Metro Region on the Region and on the State of Colorado (2007) (PDF)
This study reviewed the economic and fiscal contributions of federal facilities on the state of Colorado; and Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties (the “Metro Denver” region). It analyzed the economic impact, including economic benefits, public revenues, and public costs, of Metro Denver federal facilities from 2005-2008.
The Impact of the Film Industry on Colorado (2003) (PDF)
A baseline analysis of the film industry was conducted to determine economic impacts, examine the industry’s structure, and understand the intangible benefits.
Summary of the Impact of Film Incentives on the Colorado Economy and on Public Revenues (2009) (PDF)
This study examines the film industry in Colorado as it relates to employment, wages, taxes, and state GDP.
The Economic Impact of the Arts on Aspen and Snowmass (2004) (PDF)
This study determined the economic impact of the organizations and audiences of the Aspen/Snowmass Council for the Arts on the Pitkin County area.
The Impact of the Aerospace Industry on Boulder County (2004) (PDF)
This study calculated the economic impact of the aerospace industry within Boulder County and the City of Boulder.
Forecasts
Colorado Business Economic Outlook
Leeds Business Confidence Index
Housing
Affordable Housing in Boulder, Colorado
This research evaluated the existing affordable housing programs in Boulder, Colorado, and made recommendations for improving these programs.
Industry Clusters
2008-09 Colorado Photonics Industry Directory and Analysis
This directory update includes an analysis of the photonics industry and a listing of all companies related to the industry in the state. Compiled for the Colorado Photonics Industry Association.
Colorado Nanotechnology Roadmap 2006 (PDF)
A customized three-year action plan was developed to ensure Colorado’s place in a nanotechnology-based economy.
A Survey of Colorado Recreation Trends, Issues, and Needs (2007)
The recreational activities, demands, facility and service preferences, expectations, and motivations of recreation participants were examined. In addition, it assessed the receptivity of the public to various funding strategies for local, state, and federal lands.
Homeland Security Research in Colorado (2005)
Commissioned by the Colorado Institute of Technology as part of its Homeland Security Initiative, this study entailed developing a database of organizations conducting homeland security research in Colorado, compiling a database of organizations providing services or selling homeland security products in Colorado, and identifying a preliminary set of issues related to conducting homeland security research and business in Colorado.
Real Estate
Colorado’s Commercial Real Estate Industry: Statewide Economic Impact Report (2008)
The study estimated the direct and indirect impacts that income-producing property has on the Colorado economy.
State Analysis
Colorado Workforce Data Mining Project (2009)
The information contained in this report provides workforce centers, economic developers, educators, and other public and private leaders with insight into their local economies. The data can be used in many ways as it illustrates the drivers of a county or regional economy using different metrics, such as location quotients, total employment, housing prices, retail sales, or growth rates.
Colorado's Economic Opportunities: Today, Tomorrow, and the Future (2004)
This statewide analysis is a new strategic economic development tool designed to help local communities understand their present economic base and identify possible future growth sectors.
Technology
2008-09 Colorado Photonics Industry Directory and Analysis
This directory update includes an analysis of the photonics industry and a listing of all companies related to the industry in the state. Compiled for the Colorado Photonics Industry Association
Colorado Nanotechnology Roadmap 2006 (PDF)
A customized three-year action plan was developed to ensure Colorado’s place in a nanotechnology-based economy.
Contact the BRD
Business Research Division
Gary Horvath, Managing Director
303-492-8395
Gary.Horvath@Colorado.EDU