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 Economic Council Forecast, March 2025
The Utah Economic Council, convened by the David Eccles School of Business and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, publishes regular economic forecasts related to the Utah and U.S. economies. This includes potential risks to both the state and national economies that the council assesses and weighs.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Balance of Payments Between Utah and the Federal Government
Utah consistently places in the bottom quarter of states in per capita federal balance of payments (taxes paid less funds received by Utahns) in various measures over time and using different methodologies.
Public Policy Lessons From the Michael O. Leavitt Administration: Public Education
Public education underpins Utah’s economic prosperity. Utah will benefit if state leaders coordinate statewide efforts to address teacher burnout, invest in early learning, and support schools in promising modernization practices.
Public Policy Lessons From the Michael O. Leavitt Administration: Human Services
As Utah’s population grows and ages, human services require attention upstream and across sectors. Leaders can make sustainable investments in social capital and physical and mental health services.
Public Policy Lessons From the Michael O. Leavitt Administration: Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Utah welcomes the world in less than a decade. The decisions made during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games prepared Utah to host again, but the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be larger and present different challenges and opportunities.
Public Policy Lessons From the Michael O. Leavitt Administration: Taxation
Utah's leaders face challenging decisions when weighing tax reform options. They must keep laser focused on Utah’s changing economy and aging population.