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.
Utah Travel & Tourism County Profiles, 2023
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute prepares annual travel and tourism industry profiles for all 29 Utah counties. These profiles include detailed breakdowns of several economic indicators such as employment, tax revenue, accommodations, and more.
The Impact of Housing on Health
The impact of housing on health, while complex, can be understood through three distinct yet interconnected pathways: (1) housing conditions, (2) neighborhood conditions, and (3) housing affordability.
Decoding the Income Tax Earmark: Proposed Changes to Utah’s Constitution
On the November 2024 ballot, voters will decide whether or not to amend the Utah Constitution to allow the use of income tax revenue for any public function, contingent on maintaining certain school funding provisions.
An Economic Summary of Summit County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
Summit County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $534.1 million in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 1,845 Summit County jobs in 2023.
An Economic Summary of Rich County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
Rich County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $3.2 million in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 36 Rich County jobs in 2023.
An Economic Summary of Cache County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
Cache County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $392.4 million in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 2,516 Cache County jobs in 2023.
An Economic Summary of Box Elder County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
Box Elder County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $54.0 million in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 433 Box Elder County jobs in 2023.
Utah Olympic Winter Games: Then and Now
This fact sheet compares Utah in 2002 with Utah in 2034. In 2034, Utah will be larger, older, and more racially and ethnically diverse. The Utah economy will be nearly twice the size of 2002 and feature a much larger tourism sector, more international engagement, improved infrastructure, and a robust winter sports economy.
A Living Legacy: Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation
The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation preserves an Olympic history, provides a robust economic contribution to the state, and creates dynamic opportunities for athletes, staff, visitors, and the community
Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) Tax
Salt Lake County collected $36.7 million in ZAP tax revenue in fiscal year 2023, supporting organizations that collectively employ nearly 15,000 individuals and receive over 11 million visitors annually.