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
Video: The Utah Economy: Five Things to Know
People need to understand the Utah economy in order to make informed decisions. When asked what makes the state economy tick, these are the fives things you should know.
Fact Sheet: The Economic Contribution of Utah’s Life Science Industry
Utah’s life science industry comprises a diverse spectrum of economic activity, from research and development to manufacturing, providing goods, services, and technologies that advance personal health.
Salt Lake City’s Current Apartment Boom: An Analysis of Salt Lake City’s Record Apartment Growth
Salt Lake City continues to add new residents and surpassed the 200,000 resident milestone in 2017. Much of this increase is the result of the recent and significant construction of apartments. Strong demand for rental units in recent years has evolved Salt Lake City into a rental dominated market, with rentals accounting for over half of housing units. Salt Lake City’s population growth from [...]
July 2018 Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2017, contributing a total of 43,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.1% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. In 2017, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 5.4%.
Utah Travel and Tourism Profile: State and Counties 2016-2017
The State of Utah had an 11.9 percent leisure and hospitality share of total private jobs in 2017, ranking 36th among all states. Utah has a diverse travel and tourism industry, which generates jobs and income for Utah residents and produces tax revenue for the state. Domestic and international visitors are drawn to Utah’s natural, cultural, and historical assets. Utah has 14 ski resorts, [...]
Utah’s Expanding Medicaid Coverage: Three Scenarios
After years of debating whether and how to expand Medicaid coverage to uninsured adults who do not currently qualify for the program, Utah is poised to move forward with one of three changes to its Medicaid program in 2019. This policy brief helps Utah voters, policy makers, and business and community leaders better understand and compare the proposed changes to Utah’s Medicaid program. It [...]
