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
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.
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.
