About

Cascade Policy Institute exists to advance a free and prosperous Oregon by promoting practical solutions that expand liberty, create opportunity, and improve the lives of Oregonians.

Founded in 1991, Cascade Policy Institute is Oregon’s premier free-market public policy research organization.

For more than three decades, Cascade has worked to improve Oregon through independent research, public education, and real-world initiatives that help turn better ideas into better public policy.

We believe Oregon’s biggest challenges deserve more than political talking points. They deserve thoughtful analysis, practical solutions, and the courage to ask what works.

Because better policy creates better outcomes.

Our Mission

Cascade develops and promotes public policy solutions that advance individual liberty, personal responsibility, and economic opportunity.

We believe people, families, entrepreneurs, and communities are best positioned to solve problems when they have the freedom, opportunity, and responsibility to do so.

Our work promotes practical, market-based solutions that expand economic opportunity, encourage innovation, strengthen accountability, and reduce unnecessary government intrusion into the lives of Oregonians.

Every policy we study is measured against one simple question: Will this create greater freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for the people of Oregon?

Ideas, Not Politics

Cascade is independent by design. We are not affiliated with any political party, campaign, or candidate, and we do not endorse candidates for public office.

Our mission is to improve public policy, not participate in partisan politics.

That independence allows us to evaluate ideas on their merits, challenge conventional thinking, and advocate for practical solutions that will benefit Oregon’s people long after today’s political debates have passed.

Turning Ideas Into Action

Research only matters if it improves people’s lives.

Our work includes independent policy research, public education, legislative analysis, community engagement, Children’s Scholarship Fund-Oregon, School Choice for Oregon, and student leadership development.

Everything we do shares one purpose: Helping achieve Oregon’s Promise by advancing practical solutions that improve the lives of Oregonians.

Independent by Design

Cascade receives no government funding.

Our work is supported entirely through the voluntary generosity of individuals, businesses, and foundations who believe Oregon deserves independent research and practical solutions.

Our Values

• Respect for the dignity, rights, and worth of every individual.
• Equal treatment under the law.
• Protection of private property and the rule of law.
• Free enterprise, voluntary cooperation, and open competition.
• Personal responsibility and accountable government.
• Innovation, opportunity, and decentralized decision-making.

Leadership

Meet the people helping lead Cascade Policy Institute’s mission to advance liberty, expand opportunity, and help achieve Oregon’s Promise.