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
Utah’s Energy Sector
Utah’s energy sector continues to evolve as the forces of supply, demand, and technological change influence production and competition.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry
Utah's travel and tourism industry remained resilient in 2024 as inflation and gas prices calmed and recession fears dissipated over the year.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Federal Public Education Funding in Utah
Utah’s FY 2026 state budget includes about $600 million in federal funds for public education, which makes up about 7% of the state’s total public education budget.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Federal Housing Assistance
Federal housing assistance programs provided $482.6 million in financial support for Utah renters, developers, public housing authorities, and state and local governments in FY2022.
Salt Lake City Data Book 2025: Utah’s Capital City Demographic Resource
Salt Lake City accounted for 6.1% of Utah’s overall population in the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates. These 5-year estimates serve as the denominators for the percentages presented throughout this book and are presented for this reason.
Utah’s Marriage Trends: Young, Married, and Changing
Utah has the nation’s youngest median marriage age and the highest marriage rate, but younger Utahns are waiting longer to marry.
