The University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, housed in the David Eccles School of Business, is Utah’s premier economic and public policy research institute. We develop and share economic, demographic, public finance, and public policy research that sheds light and helps state leaders make informed decisions. We serve as a vital gathering place for policy leadership that benefits all Utahns.
Latest Research
Commuting in Utah: 2024 Travel Times
Utahns benefit from shorter commute times than the rest of the nation, with only 14 other states reporting faster average daily commutes. About 7 in 10 Utah commuters (70.5%) report traveling to work in under 30 minutes, with a statewide average travel time of 23.2 minutes. However, daily commutes are gradually growing longer, matching national increases since 2021.
The Benefits of Higher Education to Utah
Utah reaps the benefits of sixteen public colleges and universities that prepare Utah’s workforce for gainful employment, educate its citizenry to support civil society, generate new discoveries that advance the human condition, and create jobs in local communities.
Hearing the Mother’s Voice: Birth Trauma in Utah
Insights from Utah women who experienced birth trauma highlight opportunities to strengthen maternity care and postpartum support.
February 2026 Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased 1.9% in February, according to the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan found that sentiment among Americans as a whole increased by 0.4% in February.
Northwest Valley Datapoints: Northwest Valley Housing
Northwest Valley includes 107,480 total housing units, comprising 42% of Salt Lake County’s housing units and 16% of the state's housing units. Across communities, the housing stock ranges from 44,073 housing units in West Valley City to 10,149 units in Kearns.
