Recent Articles from Tom Binnings
A lesson in broadband economics
Faster connectivity and real-time data flows will dominate the 21st century. The societal transformation will be radical, as major improvements in transportation and communications effectively reduce time and distance in the economy, thereby increasing the output of any one person on a given day.
The transformation of public libraries
The prospect of systemic failure is disconcerting since the pursuit of societal opportunities at every level increasingly relies on online access to information from “safe and trusted” entities. This is a key economic reason to support our libraries.
Economic lessons learned at halftime of this pandemic
From the collaboration between governments, the private sector and scientists and the development of vaccines, to small business woes and projected recovery time, this column delves into what we've learned over the last year. The most important lesson learned was about true leadership.
‘This, too, will pass,’ but we must be more rational
As an economist, Tom Binning's hopes we can stay focused on effectively addressing the compelling trends on the horizon in a more rational manner rather than being sucked into the whirlwind of emotion that remains the ultimate risk to all societies, and especially democracies.
Colorado’s low residential property taxes – c’est la vie
Both the Colorado Senate and House voted overwhelmingly in favor of placing Gallagher in front of voters. Democrats are concerned about likely declines in school funding, and Republicans are concerned about decreased funding for local governments, especially fire and hospital districts in rural areas. Will voters respond like their elected representatives given changing Gallagher will likely lead [...]
The Economist: Holding my breath through protests, riots and looting
As we learn from the history of protesting in the U.S. and in Colorado, we must develop better institutional mechanisms for community engagement. Otherwise, the only alternatives to violence are peaceful protests and political action with broader participation.
How the world could better handle black swan events in the future
Success in the modern world requires a clear and rehearsed national and global plan of action. Unfortunately, despite warnings from people like President G.W. Bush in 2005, Bill Gates in 2015 and many health experts around the world, our response to this black swan has been to bury our collective head in the sand.
It’s time to embrace the changing world of economic development
The focus in economic development appears to be shifting. It’s not jobs per se that set off the economic development dynamic. It’s putting more money in peoples’ pockets, especially after taxes and housing costs. In some cases, this may be better-paying jobs, and in other cases, it might be part-time earnings or health benefits.
The economies of trust: Looking West from the East
The conversations between the Front Range, where most of the demand originates, and the Western Slope, where most of the water flows, have a long history where trust ebbs and flows.
Innovation and education need to drive the economy
After the current trade war subsides, the United States will thrive based upon two compelling and durable strengths: economic freedom and innovation.
The Challenges of Good Times and Bad
Through life, we experience both the highs and lows. If the typical economic condition is marked by steady sustenance or modest profits, the lowest point is when our financial survival, and perhaps physical survival, is seriously threatened.
Can Colorado Lead in Economic Sustainability?
In economics, theories have evolved, debates are robust, and data is far more accessible. But virtually all aspects still focus on a growth paradigm. Growth in total output, growth in jobs and growth in incomes.