Our goal is to reach all Coloradans
In considering the role of a think tank in the civic dialogue of politics, it is important to know the political environment in Colorado requires a broader definition than in other states. A traditional think tank might address itself only to those in the policy elite, such as legislators, academics and other public policy professionals, to affect legislation or public policy.
But in Colorado, the high level of citizen initiative activity, combined with the requirement in the TABOR amendment that voters approve every tax increase, means every voter can potentially set policy.
Colorado’s situation requires public policy thinkers to reach out more broadly and deeply to voters and citizen activists, and to use the media and other channels to impact those audiences.
The Bell Action Network works with activists and other decision makers on issues related to opportunity and to our agenda of fiscal reform, which supports the state’s ability to provide services and programs that grow opportunity.
The Bell Action Network leverages the research and brainpower of the Bell Policy Center by working with citizen groups, issue coalitions and grassroots activists to promote the agenda of expanding opportunity.