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
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.
Utah’s Economically Disadvantaged Students and Higher Education
Many economically disadvantaged Utahns never enroll in higher education. Those that do are less likely to complete their degree or certificate than those who are not economically disadvantaged. Economic disadvantage is measured in a variety of ways but this report focuses primarily on an individual's family income from childhood, measured by eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch.
The Unprecedented Federal Fiscal Policy Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on State Budgets
Massive fiscal stimulus supported the economy during the pandemic, but also contributed to goods shortages, inflation, and long-term debt.
Presentation: May Newsmaker Breakfast on 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Utah
The proposed 2030 Olympic Winter Games in Utah would make a significant economic impact, according to research from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.
2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Utah: Estimated Economic and Fiscal Impact
The proposed 2030 Olympic Winter Games in Utah would make a significant economic impact.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities in Utah’s Coal Country
The Gardner Institute’s 40-year population and employment planning projections illustrate how scheduled power plant closures and declining coal production is likely to affect the region. This report can help to plan for the coming decades as economic circumstances change for Carbon and Emery counties.
