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.
COVID-19’s Impact on Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2020
In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic rattled the global travel and tourism industry with unprecedented force. As the virus surfaced in the U.S. in February, travel restrictions, flight cancellations, stay-at-home orders, and service-oriented business closures directly impacted visitor spending, tourism related jobs, and visitation trends.
COVID-19’s Impact on Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry (PowerPoint Presentation)
In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic rattled the global travel and tourism industry with unprecedented force. As the virus surfaced in the U.S. in February, travel restrictions, flight cancellations, stay-at-home orders, and service-oriented business closures directly impacted visitor spending, tourism related jobs, and visitation trends.
Insight: Record Number of Cash Buyers Are Adding Fire to Utah’s Hot Housing Market
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™. […]
Insight: COVID-19 and Air Quality
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™. Six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly everybody’s daily habits have changed. Some changes such as mask wearing require strict discipline, while other changes have created pleasant surprises. […]
September 2020 Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment decreased by an estimated 1.6%, or 25,300 jobs, between August 2019 and August 2020. Nationally, employment decreased by 7.0%, or 10.5 million jobs, between August 2019 and August 2020.
Insight: Sunshine Before the Storm: How Utah Tourism Gleamed Before COVID-19
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™. […]
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2019
Travel and tourism is one of Utah's top ten industries, supporting one in 11 Utah jobs and generating over a billion dollars in state and local tax revenue annually.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, September 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, with the largest shares spent on transportation (including gasoline purchases, car rentals, transportation fares, and parking), lodging, and dining. Additional nonresident visitor purchases included retail and groceries, as well as arts, entertainment, and recreation–related activities.
Guest Insight: Utah Job Quality Report 2020
By Matthew Weinstein, Voices for Utah Children 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 honor of Labor Day earlier this month, Voices for Utah Children released the Utah Job Quality Report 2020. The report examines the quality of jobs in Utah in terms of wages, work hours, non-standard employment, safety, and other job quality criteria. The report compares Utah to the nation and to[...]