Public Policy
The Gardner Institute provides data-driven, context-specific insights about public policy in Utah. We prepare in-depth quantitative and qualitative studies on key Utah issues in partnership with private-sector stakeholders and state and local government. Our research provides vital information decision-makers and the public use to help Utah prosper.
Insight: Back to School: Getting to Know Utah’s Student Population
By: Andrea Thomas Brandley Can you think of anything better than crisp new school supplies, planning a new school routine, and the excitement of embarking on another year of learning? Okay, okay, I’m not naïve. I recognize you can probably think of a hundred things. But as someone who has always wanted to go to school forever, I love the start of a new school year. Even though I am no longer a formal student or teacher, I can feel a shift in the air as nearly a million Utah K-12 and college students get ready to start a new[...]
Utah’s Direct Selling Industry
Utah is a global hub for the direct selling business model. The state’s established direct selling industry anchored over 38,000 well-paying jobs and added significantly to state and local tax revenues as part of its 2020 economic impacts.
An Economic Analysis of Utah’s Direct Selling Industry
Utah’s established direct selling industry anchored over 38,000 well-paying jobs and added significantly to state and local tax revenues as part of its 2020 statewide economic impacts.
Insight: Reflections on Affordability in Utah’s Housing Market
By: James Wood A companion piece to “Housing Affordability: What Are Best Practices and Why Are They Important?”, Gardner Policy Institute, University of Utah, November 2020. For nearly 50 years, Utah’s housing market has been at the center of my professional career. In 1972, I was hired as a graduate assistant at the University of Utah’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR). Thayne Robson, the director, wanted me to help with BEBR’s construction database. Housing was already an interest of mine. I had just finished a research paper on national housing trends. The opportunity to learn about local trends[...]
Insight: COVID-19 Rankings: Where Does Utah Fall?
By: Laura Summers Given that COVID-19 is now (somewhat) in our rear-view mirror, it is interesting to look-back to see how well our state performed. Unfortunately, this pandemic impacted more than just a person’s health, and there are a myriad of economic, social, and education-related measures one could examine when evaluating a state’s performance. […]
Insight: Strong Tourism Recovery Prompts Sustainable Travel Advocacy
By: Jennifer Leaver The homepage of the Utah Office of Tourism’s website (travel.utah.gov) introduces visitors to its Red Emerald Strategic Plan. This unique-to-Utah gemstone—the red emerald—symbolizes the quality of a Utah visitor experience: rare, distinct, and highly coveted. But how does a state tourism office and its regional partners balance a quality visitor experience with increasing visitation? One strategy is to advocate for sustainable travel through visitor education. […]
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, 1st Quarter 2022
After three years of increases, permitted construction value decreased between 2021 Q1 and 2022 Q1. During the first three months of 2022, total permitted construction value reached $3.46 billion, a 2.2% decrease over the same time period from 2021.
Washington County Cultural Industry Snapshot, 2020
Washington County's arts, culture, and entertainment industry (cultural industry) is comprised of a variety of industries, including jobs in the areas of design, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, live events, museums, and traditional arts.
Salt Lake County Cultural Industry Snapshot, 2020
Salt Lake County's arts, culture, and entertainment industry cultural industry) is comprised of a variety of industries, including jobs in the areas of design, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, live events, museums, and traditional arts.
Policy Brief: Short-Term Rental Inventory
The rise of short-term rental (STR) properties exploded globally over the last decade. Listing platforms such as AirBnB, Booking.com, and VRBO became readily accessible to individuals to list their properties to generate additional income and provide services to out-of-town visitors.