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, 2nd Quarter 2020
The momentum of a record-setting first quarter continued into the second quarter of the year. While COVID-19 ravaged the economy and led to all-time high unemployment, construction activity held on. Total permit-authorized construction value in Utah during the first half of 2020 is $4.8 billion, a slight increase of 0.4% over last year and a year-to-date record (see Table 1 and Figure 1). While both residential and nonresidential construction value decreased slightly, the 19.0% increase in additions, alterations, and repairs made sure construction value for the first two quarters of 2020 remained nearly identical to 2019. Total permitted residential units [...]
August 2020 Economic Summary
The impact of COVID-19 has significantly affected U.S. employment, GDP, and other economic factors. This report includes data from the first and second quarters of 2020 which reflect these effects. While the Utah economy has not escaped these unique circumstances, the state has fared better compared with national average metrics.
An Economic Analysis of Utah’s Industrial Banks (Snapshot)
Industrial banks have a significant economic presence in Utah, the nationwide center for this banking segment with a 110-year history. The state’s current and former industrial banks pay above average wages and make community investments. In 2019, current industrial banks’ economic impacts included 6,468 instate jobs in all major sectors, $722.0 million in state GDP, and $32.0 million in state and local tax revenue in Utah.
An Economic Analysis of Utah’s Industrial Banks
Industrial banks generate substantial economic benefits in Utah, the nationwide center for this banking segment with a 110-year history.
July 2020 Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment decreased an estimated 2.8%, or 43,100 jobs, between June 2019 and June 2020. Nationally, employment also decreased significantly, by 8.7% or 13.2 million jobs, between June 2019 and June 2020.
June 2020 Economic Summary
The impact of COVID-19 has significantly affected U.S. employment, GDP, and other economic factors. This report includes May data which reflect the effects of the social distancing mandate. While the Utah economy has not escaped these unique circumstances, the state has fared better than national average metrics.
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, First Quarter 2020
As this report reflects the first three months of 2020, the severe economic impacts of the COVID-19 health pandemic are not yet captured. Without knowing what lay ahead, based on first-quarter figures, one could have forecast 2020 as one of the best construction years on record. Total permitted construction value for the first quarter exceeded $2.5 billion, a record. This was led by a surge in the residential sector, with new permitted units increasing by 47.7% over last year, and a 46.5% increase in additions, alterations and repairs. However, as the impacts of the health pandemic continue to ravage the [...]
The Economic Impacts of Utah’s Manufacturing Industry, 2018
Manufacturing is one of Utah’s largest industries, making significant contributions to the state’s economy. In 2018, the industry provided 7.0% of total employment, paid 9.6% of total earnings, and produced 11.0% of gross domestic product. Utah’s manufacturing industry continues to grow despite a nationwide slowdown; however, this growth is exceeded by growth in other industries. Within production occupations, there is an underrepresentation of women and an over-representation of minorities compared with other occupations. Overall, Utah’s manufacturing industry is a crucial component of the state’s economic health and prosperity.
May 2020 Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment has experienced a major decrease at an estimated 7.1%, or 110,900 jobs, between April 2019 and April 2020. Nationally, employment also decreased significantly, by 12.9% or 19.4 million jobs, between April 2019 and April 2020.
April 2020 Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 2.6%, or 40,300 jobs, between March 2019 and March 2020. Nationally, employment increased 1.0%, or 1.4 million jobs, between March 2019 and March 2020.
