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

2808, 2018

Economic Impacts of Utah’s Life Sciences Industry

August 28th, 2018|

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and BioUtah, the trade association for life sciences companies in the state, commissioned the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to analyze the role of the life sciences industry in Utah’s economy.

1808, 2018

Salt Lake City’s Current Apartment Boom: An Analysis of Salt Lake City’s Record Apartment Growth

August 18th, 2018|

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 [...]

3007, 2018

July 2018 Economic Summary

July 30th, 2018|

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%.

1907, 2018

Utah Travel and Tourism Profile: State and Counties 2016-2017

July 19th, 2018|

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, [...]