Public Policy
The Gardner Institute provides data-driven, context-specific insights about public policy in Utah. We prepare in-depth quantitative and qualitative studies on key Utah issues in partnership with private-sector stakeholders and state and local government. Our research provides vital information decision-makers and the public use to help Utah prosper.
Access to Suicide Prevention Resources: Understanding Ways to Reach Utah’s Veterans
This research aims to understand how active service members and Veterans access suicide prevention resources in Utah. Expanding this understanding can help improve the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) suicide prevention reach and outreach strategies.
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute: 2025 Report to the Community
Over the past decade, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has become Utah’s premier economic and public policy research institute. The 2025 Report to the Community commemorates "10 Years of Impact" and looks ahead to the priorities the Gardner Institute will inform.
Keepers of the Flame: Utah’s Olympic-Sized Opportunity
Few single events in Utah history compare in reach and significance to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. How can Utah leverage the Olympics to sustain the state’s nation-leading prosperity in the face of rapid change and mounting challenges?
Utah’s Community Needs
Utah's economic and demographic fundamentals point to continued challenges with affordable housing, general housing affordability, and other community needs for low- and moderate-income individuals. This report summarizes Utah’s community needs, including those of low- and moderate-income individuals, small businesses, and the general community.
Maternal Health in Utah: Risk Factors, Workforce Gaps, and Access to Care
Some Utahns face compounding challenges to accessing maternal health care, including long travel distances, limited provider availability, and higher prevalence of risk factors.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Health Insurance Marketplace
The ACA, signed into law in 2010, established the framework for health insurance marketplaces nationwide. The Marketplace and the accompanying tax credits help make health insurance coverage affordable for Utahns who do not have access to health insurance coverage through work or public health care coverage programs. These include small business owners, their employees, and self-employed workers.
Visitor-Generated Tax Revenue, FY 2024
Millions of visitors travel to Utah every year from other states and countries. This report focuses on out-of-state (nonresident) visitors.
State of the State’s Housing Market: 2024-2025
Utah housing prices and rents showed little to no growth in 2024. Home sales and listings increased, and residential construction declined as apartment developments tumbled.
Utah’s Land Ownership Legacy: A History and Inventory of Utah’s Lands
The federal government owns 64.4% of Utah’s land – the second highest share in the country behind Nevada. Understanding the history of federal public land policy lays the foundation for understanding private, federal, state and tribal land ownership in Utah.
The Economic Contribution of Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University strengthens Utah's Southwest Economic Region and statewide economies through high-quality education; institutional, student, and visitor spending; and broad societal benefits.
