Latest Research
December 2018 Economic Summary
The Utah economy exceeded expectations in 2018, adding a total of 48,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.3% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. A tightening labor market (3.1 percent unemployment) applied upward pressure on personal income. Annual income per capita increased to $45,174, a 3.9 percent increase from last year.
The Economic Contributions of Utah’s Ski Industry, 2018
Utah is home to 14 ski resorts, including the nation’s largest ski resort (Park City) and 10 resorts less than an hour from Salt Lake International Airport.
November 2018 Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2017, contributing a total of 43,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.1% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. In 2017, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 5.4%.
Ivory-Boyer Third Quarter Construction Report 2018
Utah’s construction activity remains strong through September 2018. The year-to-date statewide value of construction in 2018 eclipsed $6.5 billion, a five percent increase over third quarter 2017. Residential construction remains the principle driver at $4 billion statewide, 61 percent of total construction value, a share not seen since 2006 (Figure 1). Year-to-date, 18,761 permits have been issued for residential units, over 1,000 more units than this time last year. Third quarter permits for residential units in 2018 are eight percent less than third quarter 2017. It is likely the state will see more growth in 2018 than 2017 and
Social Determinants of Health: A National Perspective
The majority of a person's health is impacted by factors outside of the health care system: genetics, social, environmental, and behavioral. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes (HealthyPeople.gov).
A Visual Guide to Tax Modernization in Utah
Utahns share a common interest in a state and local tax system that provides for our needs, keeps the economy strong, and remains viable over the long term. This visual guide to tax modernization presents economic and demographic realities impacting Utah’s current sales and use tax system.
October 2018 Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2017, contributing a total of 43,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.1% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. In 2017, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 5.4%.
The Root of the Issue: Utah’s Social Determinants of Health Symposium Proceedings
On August 17, 2018, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute and the Hatch Center for Civility & Solutions jointly hosted the annual Kem C. Gardner Policy Symposium “The Root of the Issue: Utah’s Social Determinants of Health.” The symposium focused on strategies and innovations for addressing social determinants of health, which are the conditions in which people are born, live, work, and play that affect their health risks and outcomes.
Informed Decisions 2018 Election Brief
Voters have much to consider this year as they fill out their ballots. The Gardner Policy Institute and the Hinckley Institute of Politics of the University of Utah present Informed Decisions 2018, an election brief offering expert analysis on important issues Utahns face this election season. The Gardner Policy Institute also conducted a focus group of Utah voters and two roundtable discussions with policy experts, providing the voter depth and context for each issue.
Defining Utah’s Middle Class
At the request of the President’s Office at the University of Utah and in support of the Alliance for the American Dream, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute reviewed leading definitions of the middle class, with an emphasis on income-based measures. We estimated middle class income levels and populations for Utah and the U.S. for selected years since 1980. We expect these definitions and results will support efforts to create pathways to Utah’s middle class and improve stability for people already there.