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.
Featured Research
A Business Vision for Utah’s Energy Future
Utah's business community envisions an energy future that places Utah at the center of the nation's energy transition by harmonizing environmental and economic progress to ensure a balanced low carbon energy future that remains affordable, reliable, and sustainable.
Utah’s Engineering and Computer Science Workforce
Innovative engineering and computer science professionals— along with the higher education institutions that prepare many of them for the workforce—create vast economic and societal value for Utah
Utah’s Engineering and Computer Science Workforce: Higher Education and Economic Trends
Innovative engineering and computer science professionals— along with the higher education institutions that prepare many of them for the workforce—create vast economic and societal value for Utah.
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, Second Quarter 2022
During the first six months of 2022, total permitted construction value reached $7.23 billion, a 1.8% decrease over the same time period from 2021 (see Table 1). However, when controlling for inflation, the construction value decreased 6.0% (see Figure 1). This is the first decrease in inflation-adjusted construction value activity since 2012.
The Changing Dynamics of the Wasatch Front Apartment Market
The demand for rental housing increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in higher rental rates across the Wasatch Front.
Work/Life Balance Preferences: Utah Parents
Statewide survey found a majority of Utah parents with children under the age of 12 work full-time and believe there are a number of workplace policies employers could offer to support them in getting closer to their ideal work and childcare arrangement.
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.
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.
