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Here at The Center for Growth and Opportunity, we have a unique way of confronting challenges. Relentless optimism. Bold commitment. Fearless innovation. We want to leave the world a better place than when we got here. Whether it’s our award-winning students, or our world-class researchers, we look to work together to find creative solutions to today’s most pressing issues. We’re committed to turning ideas into action.

Op-Ed: We should pay farmers to save the Great Salt Lake

This year’s snowpack hasn’t just been a boon for skiers. It’s a potential moment of reprieve for the drying Great Salt Lake.

In Response: Expanding driving privileges would benefit all Minnesotans

Policies like the legislation being proposed in Minnesota enabled unauthorized immigrants to get licensed without reducing traffic safety.

Research shows driver’s licenses for undocumented people improves public safety

Testimony Submitted to the Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee. Does granting driver’s licenses to undocumented people improve public safety?

We Don’t Need the Government to Act on Big Tech

No one wants to live in a world where the whims of political power determine what is and isn’t the truth. Use markets, not politicians.

Prohibition is a bad way to deal with flavored tobacco

On November 8, 2022, Californians will be able to vote up or down a law prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products statewide.

Twitter Isn’t a Public Square. It’s a Coliseum

Is social media a place where everyone comes together to see what's happening and talk about today's important ideas?

Immigration scholar: Requiring cooperation with ICE doesn’t make NC communities safer

Immigration policies in North Carolina have been hotly contentious and, like the rest of the US, are patch-worked across its counties.

Strict immigration enforcement does not necessarily improve public safety

The heart of the nationwide immigration debate is about managing public safety and integrating immigrants — a delicate balance.

Commentary: Immigration as economic and workforce stabilization

Inflation has no cure-all. Research manager Josh Smith explains how immigration can help solve the problem.

Conservation easements can help 30×30 goals, if we end this loophole

Megan Jenkins and Harrison Naftel discuss the one-year anniversary of the Biden administration’s “America the Beautiful” Report.

Stop freaking out about Elon Musk buying Twitter

Before we jump to conclusions about Elon Musk buying Twitter, let’s slow down for a minute argue Christopher Koopman and Taylor Barkley.

Florida Makes a Good Investment in Immigrants

On March 9, the Florida House passed the state’s immigration bill, SB1808, sending the bill to Governor DeSantis.

Remove Barriers to Productivity

The war in Ukraine and the spread of Omicron could hit supply chains and production, causing high inflation and low economic growth.

Love Wordle? You’ll hate the OAMA

Your iPhone may be getting a little less safe. Christopher Koopman explains why that is in an op-ed for Utah Policy.

The Power of Technology and Geothermal Energy

As a guest on the Political Perspectives podcast, senior research fellow Eli Dourado talks about the power of technology and tech policy.

A “vehicle for antitrust change” picks up steam

Will Rinehart, a senior research fellow, joined Marketplace Tech to discuss the American Innovation and Choice Online Act.

The Biggest Inventions of the 2020s: Cancer Vaccines, Flying Cars, Space Travel, and More

Senior Research Fellow Eli Dourado joins the Plain English podcast hosted by Derek Thompson in which they discuss techno-optimism in the 2020's.

Whiskey with a side of wildlife

The American West is known for its National Parks, yet grasslands remain largely unprotected. This for-profit and non-profit are changing that.

Refocusing on legal work options is the next logical step for Biden on immigration enforcement

Contributing scholar Daniel Chand discusses his research on ICE's IMAGE program in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Will Rinehart on Broadband Infrastructure and Inclusion

H.R.3684 – the House Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – includes a $65B kicker for broadband networks, Will Rinehart joins the High Tech Forum podcast to discuss.

The tech/innovation policy conversations we need

Getting government out of the way of innovation in many cases simply isn’t happening. Will Rinehart says the people who need to do that hard work are distracted.

Workforce development and broadband spending

How should success be measured in state-led efforts to provide rural broadband? Will Rinehart discusses with the Cato Daily Podcast

Endangered Species Act and Conservation

Research Director, Megan Jenkins, joins the Political Perspectives podcast hosted by Ryan Smith to discuss conservation and the Endangered Species Act

Americans’ attitudes toward tech and media

Senior Research Fellow, Will Rinehart, talks to C-SPAN's Washington Journal and callers about our latest tech poll.

Lowman Henry with Josh Smith on Funding Immigration

Josh T. Smith joins Lowman Henry on American Radio Journal to discuss a recent op-ed in The Hill on selling immigration visas

Selling immigration visas to cover costs

Research Manager, Josh T. Smith, joins The Lars Larson Show to discuss his recent op-ed in The Hill on selling immigration visas.

Josh Smith on payments for immigrants

Josh Smith joins Freedom Works Radio to discuss his recent op-ed in The Hill on selling immigrant visas to cover the effects of globalization

A better plan than giving $450,000 to each separated immigrant

In an op-ed for The Hill, Josh T. Smith plots a way forward for helping both separated immigrants and the U.S.

California’s regulations are hindering insurance-provided wildfire protections

California homeowners face the highest wildfire risk in our country’s history. What can be done to address the issue?

William Rinehart Joins Todd Feinburg

Will Rinehart joins Todd Feinburg (WTIC) to discuss the congressional testimony from Facebook insider, what it means for the company, and the implications from the hearing. Listen to the interview below.

Scholar Commentary