Public Policy
The Gardner Institute provides data-driven, context-specific insights about public policy in Utah. We prepare in-depth quantitative and qualitative studies on key Utah issues in partnership with private-sector stakeholders and state and local government. Our research provides vital information decision-makers and the public use to help Utah prosper.
The Economic Contributions of Utah’s Ski Industry
Utah is home to 15 ski resorts, including the nation’s largest ski resort (Park City). Eleven of the state's resorts are less than an hour from Salt Lake International Airport
Utah Caregiving Perspectives: A Survey Exploring Utah Caregivers’ Employment, Challenges, and Support Needs
Many caregivers share experiences and needs, but differences arise based on factors like age, gender, employment status, caregiving hours, and living situation.
An Economic Summary of Salt Lake County’s Cultural Industry, 2022
Salt Lake County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $7.7 billion in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 32,737 Salt Lake County jobs in 2022.
Policy Insight: Utah’s Diverse Energy Portfolio
Utah possesses diverse energy resources ranging from crude oil and natural gas in the Uinta and Paradox Basins to renewable energies such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass.
Research Brief: Utah’s Energy Sector in 2023 and Outlook for 2024
Utah is fortunate to have abundant and diverse energy resources, including large reserves of conventional fossil fuels as well as several areas suitable for renewable resource development. More recently, Utah has witnessed an evolution in its energy landscape.
Utah’s Health Care Coverage Landscape
Utah’s health care coverage landscape includes high rates of private health insurance enrollment, low rates of public health insurance program enrollment, and declining uninsured rates. That said, uninsured rates remain high for some populations and health care affordability and access are concerns for many Utahns
Policy Brief: The Value of Higher Education
Utah’s degree-granting institutions also train Utah’s workforce, generate significant economic contributions as major employers in the communities they serve, and create discoveries that improve life quality.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2024
Utah’s travel and tourism industry maintains a positive trajectory despite challenges such as surging inflation, high gas prices, and U.S. recession fears.
2024 Great Salt Lake Policy Summary: Preserving Agriculture While Reducing Depletions
The Great Salt Lake Strike Team analyzed ten policy options and created summaries for each. The strike team does not endorse individual policies but rather evaluates the most-discussed options to address Great Salt Lake.
2024 Great Salt Lake Policy Summary: Quantifying Agriculture Depletions
The Great Salt Lake Strike Team analyzed ten policy options and created summaries for each. The strike team does not endorse individual policies but rather evaluated the most-discussed options to address Great Salt Lake.