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.
Utah Travel and Tourism County Profiles, 2018
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has prepared economic profiles that track travel and tourism data for each of Utah's 29 counties.
2020 Economic Report to the Governor (Highlights)
The 2020 Economic Report to the Governor is the 32nd publication in this series. Through the last three decades, the Economic Report to the Governor as served as the preeminent source for data, research, and analysis about the Utah economy. It includes a national and state economic overview, a summary of state government economic development activities, an analysis of economic activity based on the standard indicators, and a detailed review of industries and issues of particular interest. The primary goal of the report is to improve the reader’s understanding of the Utah economy. With improved economic literacy, decision makers in [...]
Utah Informed 2020
Utah Informed ​is a collection of tables, charts, ideas, and schematics to prompt consideration of a compelling trend, spur an innovative idea, or inspire an aspirational thought. Decision makers are advantaged when they understand the past 20 years as they plan for the next 20 years. It is in the spirit of seeing more clearly and preparing for the future that we produce Utah Informed. In it, we provide relevant and interesting information to help Utahns make informed decisions in the coming year in the coming year and beyond. The Gardner Institute, in partnership with the Salt Lake Chamber, publishes Utah [...]
2020 Economic Report to the Governor
The 2020 Economic Report to the Governor is the 32nd publication in this series. Through the last three decades, the Economic Report to the Governor as served as the preeminent source for data, research, and analysis about the Utah economy. It includes a national and state economic overview, a summary of state government economic development activities, an analysis of economic activity based on the standard indicators, and a detailed review of industries and issues of particular interest. The primary goal of the report is to improve the reader’s understanding of the Utah economy. With improved economic literacy, decision makers in [...]
December 2019 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.
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, 3rd Quarter 2019
This year is shaping up to be another record year for Utah’s construction industry. Through the third quarter of 2019, the total value of permit-authorized construction is $7.4 billion, surpassing the pre-recession high of $7.2 billion in 2007 (inflation-adjusted). The residential sector accounts for 60% of the total statewide value. Most of the residential growth is in apartments.
November 2019 Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 3.3%, or 51,200 jobs, between October 2018 and October 2019. Nationally, employment increased 1.4%, or 2.1 million jobs, between October 2018 and October 2019.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2018
Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry provides jobs and income for Utah residents and contributes state and local tax revenue. Utah’s natural, cultural, and historical assets draw domestic and international visitors year-round. Since 2014, visitor spending in Utah’s economy increased by an average 3.4% annually when adjusted for inflation. In 2018, travelers directly spent a record $9.75 billion in Utah, generating an estimated 136,000 total Utah jobs, and $1.28 billion in state and local tax revenue. Utah’s national parks, state parks, and ski resorts experienced record visitation in 2018 as well.
A Qualitative Study of Utah’s State Turnaround Program: Cohort One
The first cohort of schools that successfully exited the Utah State Turnaround Program experienced similar factors of success and share similar concerns. A concerted focus on data, positive reinforcement, collaboration, and strong leadership were chief among the factors they attributed to their success. These schools are very proud and empowered by their success, yet have concerns about sustaining the gains made without the additional resources or school leadership that adopts turnaround practices.
