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
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.
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report Fourth Quarter 2021
The continued record breaking pace of permitted construction activity reached new milestones in 2021. The rebound in commercial activity in 2021 put the year total on the second highest in terms of construction value. The residential market also reached into new territory.
Utah Economic Impacts from Utah Retirement Systems 2021 Pension Payments
This report examines the economic impacts of Utah Retirement Systems (URS) 2021 defined benefit pension payments made to Utah residents and compares these impacts with those estimated for 2015 and 2018.
Utah Travel and Tourism County Profiles, 2020
Utah Travel and Tourism County Profiles for 2020 give a detailed breakdown of key economic indicators related to tourism for each of Utah's 29 counties.
Salt Lake County’s Historic Apartment Boom: Past, Present, and Future Presentation
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. Builders and developers responded with a record number of rental units under construction and proposed.
