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.
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™. Mar 12, 2021 – 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[...]
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™. Mar 5, 2021 – 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™. Feb 26, 2021 – 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[...]
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™. Feb 24, 2021 – 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[...]
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™. Feb 17, 2021 – 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[...]
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.