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.
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, Third Quarter 2020
Construction activity continued its momentum into the third quarter. Total permitted construction reached $8.01 billion for the period of January through September, a record and an increase of 9.4% from the same time period last year (Table 1). Residential construction values also set a record, increasing 10.7% from 2019 to $4.9 billion. Nonresidential construction overcame its slump in the first half of the year.
Guest Insight: Utah Needs a Federal Child Allowance
By: Louise Knauer and Susan Olson Note: The opinions expressed represent the views of the Utah Citizens’ Counsel and its Social Support Systems Committee. The views 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 Utah Citizens’ Counsel (UCC) is an independent, non-partisan group of senior community advocates dedicated to improving Utah public policy on a range of issues. We issued our latest report in November 2020. We sometimes think of ourselves as the voice of well-informed grandparents,[...]
The Impact of High-Density Apartments on Surrounding Single-Family Home Values in Suburban Salt Lake County
New, dense housing continues to be a point of conflict in growing communities as concerns over negative impacts to home values dominate the discussion. This study quantifies how new apartment construction has impacted single-family home price acceleration over the last decade.
Insight: The Impact of COVID-19 on Utah’s Health Care and Social Assistance Industry
By: Laura Summers 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™. In addition to ensuring rapid and effective distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, one of our state’s top priorities for 2021 is economic advancement. For example, the One Utah Roadmap outlines plans for promoting talent development, infrastructure investment, sustainable growth, innovation and entrepreneurship, fiscal responsibility, and strategic industry advancement by building on Utah’s industrial strengths. One established,[...]
Utah’s Economically Disadvantaged Students: A review of the data and the role of education (PowerPoint)
1.Education creates greater economic opportunity; 1 in 3 Utah students experience economic hardship; Economically disadvantaged students face worse educational results; Targeted funding for economically disadvantaged students makes a difference; Utah’s long-term future improves for everyone.
Utah’s Economically Disadvantaged Students: A review of the data and the role of education
Many Utah children face economic hardship leading to significantly worse educational results. Targeted funding for this population can improve academic achievement, enhance economic outcomes, provide a multitude of societal benefits, and ensure Utah's future success.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, February 2020 (Tri-Fold Brochure)
In 2019, travelers and tourists spent a record $10.06 billion in Utah. Nonresident visitors spent $8.62 billion of that (85.7%) with the largest shares spent on transportation, lodging, and dining. Additional nonresident visitor purchases included retail and groceries, as well as arts, entertainment, and recreation–related activities.
Utah Travel & Tourism County Profiles, 2019
Visitor spending generated $336.9 million in direct tax revenue, including $191.9 million in state and $145.0 million in local tax revenue. Visitor spending generated approximately $111.5 million in additional indirect and induced state and local tax revenue, for a total of $448.4 million.
Insight: Big Oil and the Future of Energy
By: Thomas 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 global pandemic has challenged all sectors of the economy. Pandemic-induced shocks to the energy sector buffeted U.S. oil & gas companies once considered the bedrock of the economy. […]
Insight: Housing in 2020: What a Long, Strange Trip it’s Been
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™. A surge of buyers and historically low interest rates, combined with a record drop in housing inventory and a global pandemic ravaging its way through the economy, led Utah’s housing market to new heights in 2020. The year ended with a record number of new permitted units, passing the 30,000 milestone. The single-family median sales[...]