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.
Fact Sheet: Refugees in Utah
A refugee is someone who, “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his or her nationality and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country” (8 U.S. Code § 1101).
Insight: The Freeze in Texas
By: Tom Holst Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. The February winter storm that blanketed snow on the U.S. put a spotlight on our nation’s electricity grid. While the grid functioned in surrounding states, it failed in Texas, causing 4 million households to go without power and many to lose access to safe drinking water. […]
COVID-19 Impacts by Gender
The COVID-19 public health recession created an economic shock that reverberated across industries, occupations, and genders. While the economic accounting is incomplete, initial data yield compelling insights about the pandemic's impact on men and women in both the Utah and U.S. economies.
Insight: A Record Hot Housing Market: Where Do We Go from Here?
By: Dejan Eskic Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. Last April, as the economy was spiraling down and unemployment claims hit what looked like a made-up number, I thought, “Well, at least home prices will drop and we can buy our dream home.” Here I am, nine months into a home search, continuing to be outbid, living with my in-laws. How wrong and naïve[...]
An Economic Analysis of Zion National Park Scenarios, 2021
Proposed developments at Zion National Park’s east entrance include the construction of a new visitor center, lodging, and hiking/biking trails along with the deployment of an electric shuttle fleet. This study analyzes the economic impacts of east park improvements on Kane and Washington counties over 10 years by comparing this high-investment scenario with a projected baseline scenario.
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, Fourth Quarter 2020
The year 2020 was record-breaking for construction in the state of Utah. Total permitted construction value reached $11.0 billion for the year, a number that doesn’t reflect the economic challenges faced by the rest of the economy. The record-breaking year was led by a surge in residential construction activity. Residential construction value reached $6.7 billion in 2020, surpassing the previous 2006 record. Nonresidential construction value declined 3.4% from 2019 to $2.5 billion. Addition, alteration, and repair permitted values increased 31.2% from 2019 to $1.9 billion, also a record
Insight: Economic Development Needs Better Questions
By: Max Backlund Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. When you read economic development strategies for fun you are rarely asked to dinner parties. I have been reading strategies for years now and can count on one finger the number of dinner parties I’ve been invited to. My years of reading strategic plans started at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, where I worked[...]
March Newsmaker Breakfast: Federal Stimulus and its Impact on Utah
Hear from local economists and experts on the impact of federal stimulus spending on Utah.
Insight: Pandemic-Driven Travel: How COVID-19 Influenced 2020 Tourism Trends
By: Jennifer Leaver Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. Exactly one year ago, my teenage daughter and I were anxiously awaiting our summer humanitarian trip to Thailand—something that we had been planning for over six months. One week later, everything changed. […]
Insight: Utah’s Resilient Economic Recovery
By: Phil Dean Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. Utah’s economy has proven to be incredibly resilient over the past year. While some sectors face continuing challenges, on the whole the state’s economy has dramatically recovered from the pandemic-induced decline that began in March 2020. Utah is poised for further growth as the virus’ spread moves toward further containment. Although economic risks remain, as[...]