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
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.
Public Policy Lessons From the Michael O. Leavitt Administration: Technology Capital
Utah’s engineering and computer science jobs more than doubled from 2000 to 2022, significantly outpacing the nation and firmly establishing Utah as a technology capital.
Public Policy Lessons From the Michael O. Leavitt Administration: Transportation
As Utah’s population grows and becomes more diverse, Utahns must be prepared to invest in transportation choices to maintain the state’s mobility, health, economy, and life quality.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Medicaid
Medicaid and CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program) fund health care services for about 353,000 Utahns with low income as of February 2025.
Salt Lake City Demographic Changes: 2019 to 2023
Salt Lake City’s population grew 4.5%, from 200,546 to 209,606 residents, between 2019 and 2023 (1.1% annually).