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.
Economic Contribution of University of Utah Health
University of Utah Health (U of U Health) serves as the state’s only academic medical center and provides patient care for the people of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and much of Nevada. In 2019, U of U Health directly and indirectly supported 47,500 jobs, $3.0 billion in earnings, and $3.9 billion in the Utah economy. These impacts, and the services provided by the tripartite clinical, research, and academic mission, create an academic medical center that makes a profound and positive impact on people’s lives and the state of Utah.
Economic Contribution of the University of Utah
The University of Utah directly and indirectly supported 83,100 jobs, $4.6 billion in earnings, and $6.3 billion in GDP in the Utah economy in 2019, making it one of the largest economic assets in the state. The U’s direct employment of 39,300 jobs makes the U the largest employer in the state. In addition, the U’s 2019 education and patient care reach includes 32,994 students, 8,268 degrees and certificates, more than 550 buildings in 16 counties and 38 cities in Utah, and approximately two million patient visits. As an institution of higher learning, the U also imparts significant societal benefits. [...]
Moving Toward Evidence-Based Programs: Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Utah
Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury death in Utah, and opioid-related drug overdoses are a significant contributor to the rise in drug overdose deaths in recent history. In 2018, close to half of all opioid overdose deaths were prescription related, and 47% involved illicit opioids such as heroin. Fortunately, opioid use disorder (OUD) can be treated. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is “a combination of psychosocial therapy and U.S. Food and Drug Administration– approved medication”iii and has positive, evidence-based effects on OUD.
Measuring Economic Diversity: The Hachman Index, 2018
Utah is a leader among U.S. states for industrial diversity. A Hachman Index analysis using 2018 GDP data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and aggregated to the two-digit NAICS code, reveals that Utah’s industrial distribution is very similar to that of the United States.
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, Year-End 2019
In 2019, the value of permit-authorized construction in Utah totaled $9.8 billion, the highest year ever in both current and inflation-adjusted dollars. Sixty percent of the total construction value was in the residential sector, which rose 12.5% from 2018 to $5.8 billion. The strength of the residential sector is a result of robust growth in multifamily development. Apartments alone experienced an 80.6% increase in units from 2018. Nonresidential construction value in 2019 was $2.6 billion. Activity in the office and professional, and industrial and warehouse sectors drove commercial construction value in the state at $693.2 million and $671.9 million, respectively. [...]
February 2020 Economic Summary
Utah’s total personal income reached $156.1 billion* in the third quarter of 2019, rising 6.0% from the third quarter of 2018. Utah’s growth ranked 3rd in the nation. Nationally, personal income increased 4.5% over the same period.
A Roadmap for Improving Utah’s Behavioral Health System, 2020
Utah is in the midst of a behavioral health crisis. High suicide rates, untreated anxiety and depression, serious mental illness, and high rates of opioid use disorder and other drug-related deaths are all signs of the need for accessible, affordable, and comprehensive behavioral health services.
Economic Impacts of Utah’s Energy Industry, 2017
Utah’s diverse energy industry plays a significant role in the state’s economy. It encompasses traditional fossil fuels and renewable resources. The mining sector produces crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Power producers generate electricity from hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind, and biomass resources and distribute it within the state and across the western U.S. Five refineries process crude oil from Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Canada, and Utah has the only licensed and operating uranium mill in the country. Dozens of firms manufacture machinery for mining and the oil and gas fields as well as turbines, generators, transformers, and other electrical equipment. [...]
Survey of Utah’s Top Homebuilders
Increasing prices and a shortage of new housing units continue to be a challenge across the State of Utah. The goal of the survey of Utah’s top homebuilders is to shed light on market sentiment and provide insight into the issues and opportunities facing our housing market. The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute conducted the survey of Utah's top homebuilders in fall 2019. Of the 24 homebuilders contacted, 19 participated. The survey participants were identified using Construction Monitor rankings of top homebuilders. Surveys were conducted through either in-person or telephone interviews.
