The Gardner Policy Institute provides data-driven, context-specific insights about Utah’s economy. We prepare in-depth studies on key Utah issues in partnership with stakeholders in the private sector and state and local government. The institute employs a diverse group of economists and analysts with specialties that include healthcare, energy and natural resources, tourism, and real estate and construction. Our research provides vital information decision makers and the public use to help Utah prosper.
Housing, Construction, & Real Estate
August Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 2.5%, or 36,300 jobs, between July 2016 and July 2017. Nationally, employment increased 1.5%, or 2.2 million jobs, between July 2016 and July 2017. Unemployment—Utah’s unemployment rate was 3.5% in July 2017, slightly higher than the July 2016 rate of 3.4%. The national unemployment rate was 4.3% in July 2017, lower than the July 2016 rate of 4.9%.
What Would a Marshall Plan for Rural Revitalization Look Like?
"Rural Utah Economic Investment" Remarks Utah Rural Summit Presentation (PowerPoint) Utah Rural Summit Presentation (PDF) Rural Utah Marshall Plan Poster (Prosperity) Rural Utah Marshall Plan Poster (Building) Rural Utah Marshall Plan Poster (Reap What We Grow) Rural Utah Marshall Plan Poster (Key) On August 3rd, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute director Natalie Gochnour presented at the Utah Rural Summit in Cedar City, [...]
July Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2016, contributing a total of 49,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.6 percent was above the state’s long-term average and among the strongest in the nation. Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth in 2016, 6.8 percent.
