Public Finance
The Gardner Institute employs a team of economists who specialize in public finance. We also benefit from a Public Finance Council that guides our research agenda and supports the development of a public finance practice area. Our research focus areas include, but are not limited to: tax policy, revenue forecasting, fiscal impacts, budget stress-testing, budget transparency, and public finance best practices.
Medicaid Funding 101
Medicaid funding and CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program) fund health care services for about 340,000 low-income Utahns (about 11% of Utah’s population). As a jointly funded state/federal program, funding shares vary by state.
A Visual Guide to Tax Modernization in Utah Part Five: Business Taxes
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, the fifth in a series, illustrates key components of Utah’s business taxes.
Tourism, Recreation, and Restaurant Taxes in Utah
Tourism in Utah generates significant tourism-specific and other taxes, but regional differences in local revenues and tourism impacts can pose challenges.
Fiscal Contrast: An Analysis of State and Federal Fiscal Processes
States and the federal government both employ sovereign fiscal powers to tax, spend, and borrow, although their fiscal approaches differ starkly.
Navigating Utah’s Demographic Dip: Strategically Positioning Utah Higher Education Amid College-age Population Declines
Pending college-age population declines provide opportunities for state and institutional policymakers to strategically transform, conserve, and realign.
Growing but Narrowing: Long-Term Structural Changes in Utah’s Sales Tax Base
Utah’s sales tax base grew with inflation and population growth in recent decades but failed to pace with economic growth until recently.
Decoding the Income Tax Earmark: Proposed Changes to Utah’s Constitution
On the November 2024 ballot, voters will decide whether or not to amend the Utah Constitution to allow the use of income tax revenue for any public function, contingent on maintaining certain school funding provisions.
Utah State Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Review: A Growing State and Budget
As a rapidly changing state, Utah faces major economic and demographic transitions. Legislative budget priorities for FY 2025, which begins July 1, 2024, address current and future transitions.
Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) Tax
Salt Lake County collected $36.7 million in ZAP tax revenue in fiscal year 2023, supporting organizations that collectively employ nearly 15,000 individuals and receive over 11 million visitors annually.
A Tale of Two Recessions: How Utah’s Sales Tax Performed Over Recent Business Cycles
Utah’s sales tax performed differently during recent recessions, and now approaches a new normal amid structural changes.