Latest Research
Utah’s Long-Term Demographic and Economic Projections Summary
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute prepares long-term demographic and economic projections to support informed decision making in the state. The Utah Legislature funds this research, which is done in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst, the Utah Association of Governments, and other research entities. These 50-year projections indicate continued population growth and illuminate a range of future dynamics and structural shifts for Utah. An initial set of products is available online at gardner.utah.edu. Additional research briefs, fact sheets, web-enabled visualizations, and other products will be produced in the coming[...]
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute Brochure
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute delivers the objective research and analysis leaders can rely on to make data-driven public policy decisions. We are Utah's demographic experts, leaders on the Utah economy, specialists on public policy and survey research, and champions of civic leadership.
Salt Lake City Data Book: 2017
This Salt Lake City Data Book has been sponsored by Salt Lake City Corporation. It presents the newest available data from various federal and state level entities regarding the demographics, socioeconomics, housing status, and general economic information about the city.
Ivory-Boyer Second Quarter Report 2017
Construction activity has had a strong start in 2017, with the mid-year numbers at the highest level in 10 years. The number of building permits issued for residential units through the first six months was 11,145, nearly 22 percent higher than 2016 and the highest mid-year level since 2007 (see Figure 1). Total construction valuation at $4.1 billion was also at the highest midyear level since 2007 and five percent above 2016 (see Figure 2).
Gardner Business Review: What has been the impact of globalization on Utah?
What has been the impact of globalization in Utah? Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute senior fellow James Wood concludes the impact of globalization has been widespread and nearly all positive. A big reason for Utah’s international success is that many of the products we manufacturer are largely immune to offshoring. Utah also has a great need for labor to support our growing economy. Immigrants, rather than displacing local workers, have been a welcome source of labor supply. Data on Utah’s foreign born, refugee resettlement, international travel, and international students also reinforce the positive economic impacts of the cross-border movement of[...]
May Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 3.3%, or 46,700 jobs, between April 2016 and April 2017. Nationally, employment increased 1.6%, or 2.2 million jobs, between April 2016 and April 2017. Utah’s unemployment rate was 3.1% in April 2017, lower than the April 2016 unemployment rate of 3.5%. The national unemployment rate was 4.4% in April 2017, lower than the April 2016 rate of 5.0%.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2017
Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry generates jobs and income for Utah residents and produces tax revenue for the state. Domestic and international travelers and tourists are drawn to Utah’s natural, cultural and historical assets. Utah has 14 ski resorts, 10 of which are less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, as well as five national parks, eight national monuments, two national recreation areas, one national historic site and 43 state parks.
Utah’s Defense Sector: Economic Impacts of the Military and Veterans
The Utah Defense Alliance and the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs commissioned the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to assess the economic impacts of Utah’s defense industry. The Gardner Policy Institute analyzed the impacts of current operations of Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground, Tooele Army Depot, the Utah National Guard, reserves, recruiting, ROTC and expenditures on behalf of veterans.
April Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 3.2%, or 45,300 jobs, between March 2016 and March 2017. Nationally, employment increased 1.5%, or 2.2 million jobs, between March 2016 and March 2017.