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
U.S. and Utah Economic Overview
The remarkably resilient U.S. economy continued flying high in 2024. Labor markets softened somewhat off all-time low unemployment, yet overall upward momentum persisted in both the U.S. and Utah economies.
Utah Social Indicators
Utah fares comparatively well on many social indicators. Selected measures come from five domains: economic, demographic, socioeconomic, health, and safety.
Utah’s Agriculture Economy
Agriculture’s contribution to Utah’s GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 came in at $2.0 billion, after facing a mixed year in 2023 with GDP declines to $1.3 billion by year-end.
Great Salt Lake Data and Insights Summary (January 2025)
In 2024, Great Salt Lake continued to rise from the record-low elevation reached in 2022, aided by two years of above-average precipitation and the adaptive management berm.
Interest Rates and Monetary Policy
Rapid interest rate changes stand out as one of the most stunning economic stories in recent years.
Utah Economic Council Forecast, December 2024
The Utah Economic Council prepares quarterly economic forecasts and is a collaborative endeavor of the David Eccles School of Business and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget.