Latest Research
April 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%.
Salt Lake City Critical Needs Discussion Guide
Salt Lake City’s population is growing and is expected to keep growing. The number of people commuting to Salt Lake City every day to work, learn, be entertained and seek out services like medical care is growing as well. Salt Lake City’s strong economy is bolstered by serving as the hub of northern Utah’s tourism and convention business.
Family Planning Elevated
Facilitated deliberative work session for Family Planning Elevated’s Stakeholder Convening, and provided discussion guide consultation
March 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. The consensus forecast predicts moderating–but still healthy–job and wage growth, low unemployment, and increased net migration in 2018.
Research Brief: Housing Prices and the Threat to Affordability
Utah business and community leaders wisely pay close attention to housing affordability. Since 1991 Utah housing prices have outpaced every state but Colorado, Oregon and Montana. The rate of housing price increases and challenges created by higher prices are on the minds of many decision-makers. Consequently, the Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest business association, contracted with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to collect, organize, and review housing affordability data and produce the following report. […]
Policy Brief: Designation of Opportunity Zones
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has prepared an initial evaluation of census tracts within Utah with significant economic need and market potential. We conducted this research to help Gov. Gary Herbert make an informed decision as he designates “opportunity zones” in Utah as part of the Investing in Opportunity Act.
Policy Brief: Utah’s Olympic Economic Legacy, 2018
The 2002 Olympic Winter Games enlarged the Utah economy and left a lasting economic legacy. This legacy continues to grow and change as the Utah economy matures in each subsequent year since the Games.
February 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. The consensus forecast predicts moderating- but still healthy - job and wage growth, low unemployment, and increased net migration in 2018.
January 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%.
Utah Informed: Visual Intellection for 2018
The third edition of Utah Informed shows the fruits of Utahns' hard work and the challenges that remain. The tables, charts, ideas, and schematics force the viewer to consider a compelling trend, an innovative idea or an aspirational thought. We call it “visual intellection” because the information both inspires and causes discomfort. We want to make your think. This year, many businesses and individuals have joined the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute as “Partners in the Community.” These partners help fund the public purpose research of the institute so we can help Utah prosper. Our goal is to be honest[...]