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.
Salt Lake County’s Historic Apartment Boom: Past, Present, and Future
Salt Lake County’s housing shortage and high home prices have led to the “tightest” apartment market in the county’s history. In 2021, the vacancy rate dropped below 2%, and rental rates increased by double digits.
Utah Resident Opinions on Tourism: Local Area Survey Results March 2022
Utah residents indicate a wide range of opinions about Utah’s tourism industry. A local area survey conducted in Fall 2021 provides insight on the similarities and differences in how tourism is perceived in 14 different areas of the state.
A Pathway for Improving Early Childhood Mental Health in Utah (The Children’s Center Utah)
Sound mental health provides an essential foundation of stability that supports all other aspects of human development—from the formation of friendships and the ability to cope with adversity to the achievement of success in school, work, and community life.
Point of the Mountain Buildout Scenarios: Economic and Fiscal Contributions
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has prepared an economic and fiscal analysis assessment of buildout scenarios at The Point of the Mountain, also referred to as “The Point.” The analysis includes conceptual planning scenarios based on inputs and assumptions provided by the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority and RCLCO, a real estate consulting firm under contract with the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority.
A Blueprint for Growing Salt Lake City’s Health Care Innovation Economy
Salt Lake City will be a premier health care innovation hub that provides expanded economic opportunity and improved health and well-being for all residents.
Tourism Insight: Record Utah Park Visitation Spanned Seasons and Destinations in 2021
As 2021 park visitation numbers roll in, Utah’s parks appear to have remained virtually unscathed by the 2020 pandemic, with visitation spread among both seasons and destinations. For purposes of understanding 2021 park visitation in the context of “normal” visitation, I have compared 2021 with 2019 (pre-pandemic) visitation.
Insight: Hydrogen – The Fuel of the Future
By: Thomas Holst Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. […]
Utah State Government Growth Presentation
In 2020, U.S. government expenditures climbed to 31.2% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the largest expenditure as a percent GDP since the end of World War II. Such a level of government participation in the nation’s economy alarms some analysts. Has the state of Utah followed a similar trend or is it on its own path.
Utah State Government Growth: Following the Feds or On its Own Path?
In 2020, U.S. government expenditures climbed to 31.2% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the largest expenditure as a percent GDP since the end of World War II. Such a level of government participation in the nation’s economy alarms some analysts. Has the state of Utah followed a similar trend or is it on its own path?
A Visual Guide to Tax Modernization: Understanding Property Taxes
Utahns share a common interest in a state and local tax system that provides for our needs, keeps the economy strong, and remains viable over the long term. This visual guide, which is the third in a series, illustrates key components of Utah’s property tax – the oldest and most stable of Utah’s major taxes.