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
Fact Sheet: Outdoor Recreation and Utah Business
Utah’s tech sector is the fastest growing industry in the state while offering well-paying jobs that often encourage a healthy work-life balance. Access to year-round outdoor recreation is the most important factor to tech employees when deciding to locate or stay in Utah. A companion study of Utah businesses found the outdoor lifestyle helps with locating and expanding operations in Utah, employee recruitment and retention, and the desirability to do business in the state.
Retail Sales and the Pandemic: A Most Remarkable Year
This research brief examines 2020 retail trade sales in the context of long-term historical trends in sales activity. A seemingly straightforward comparative analysis of yearly sales, however, was complicated by data comparability issues. Hence, care was taken to ensure an “apples to apples” approach, which required some discussion of evolving tax reporting and remittance requirements
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, First Quarter 2021
Construction activity continued its record-setting pace in an unconventional economic environment. Through the first three months of 2021 total permitted construction value reached $3.4 billion, a record and a 37.1% increase over the same time period from 2020. The record-breaking quarter was led by a surge in residential construction activity. Residential construction value reached $2.0 billion in the first quarter of 2021, surpassing last year’s record by 32.2%. Nonresidential construction value surged by 47.1% from Q1 2020 to $0.8 billion. Additions, alterations, and repairs permitted values increased 41.5% from 2020 to $0.6 billion, also a record.
Back to Baseline: Utah’s Tourism Economy Rebounds Post-Pandemic, 2021
One year since the arrival of COVID in the U.S. and Utah’s tourism economy is back on track. Leisure and hospitality employment in southern Utah rebounded “back to baseline” last fall, while the rest of the state began catching up this spring. Statewide, hotel occupancy rates returned to 2019 levels this April, while transient room tax revenue surpassed 2019 levels this February and March.
A Time to Build: Physical, Human, and Social Capital (Presentation)
Now is a time to build - both in our businesses and in our community. Growth means we must invest in physical capital. Structural changes mean we must invest in human capital.
Diversity in Utah: Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Data Book
This report provides data and information to help state and community leaders make progress in their equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Gov. Spencer Cox’s One Utah Roadmap, the Utah Legislature’s policies to extend opportunity to all, and business and community leaders’ Utah Compact on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion provide three significant examples in the past year of Utah’s commitment. The data and context provided in this report shed light on existing disparities; help people understand the complexities of these measures; and help provide a starting point for evaluating future progress.
Diversity in Utah: Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Data Book (Analysis in Brief)
Utah ranks as the 34th most racially and ethnically diverse state in the nation, with 22% of the state identifying as other than non-Hispanic White. This places Utah’s racial/ethnic diversity just below Pennsylvania and above several larger states like Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Utah’s minority share of the population is expected to increase to one in three Utahns by 2060.
Diversity in Utah: Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Data Book (Presentation Slides)
Utah ranks as the 34th most racially and ethnically diverse state in the nation, with 22% of the state identifying as other than non-Hispanic White. This places Utah’s racial/ethnic diversity just below Pennsylvania and above several larger states like Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Utah’s minority share of the population is expected to increase to one in three Utahns by 2060.
Market Assessment: Air Quality / Changing Climate Solutions Laboratory
The redevelopment of the Utah State Prison property in Draper, Utah, presents a significant opportunity for a generational investment in Utah’s economic future. Of the 600 acres at the prison site, a portion is being considered for a university-led innovation district that solves difficult challenges and creates high quality jobs in Utah. One of these challenges, and a platform for future innovation, is air quality and a changing climate
April Newsmaker Breakfast: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Data
A preview of of race, ethnicity, and gender indicators to help support greater equity, diversity, and inclusion in Utah.
