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.
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.
Insight: Pioneer Day Update: Utah’s Tourism Industry Shows Signs of Recovery
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™. Pioneer Day weekend is here, but with less fanfare that years past. Due to COVID-19, Days of ’47 parades, rodeos, fireworks, and other holiday activities in cities and towns across Utah have been cancelled and postponed until 2021. Now, halfway through summer, the pandemic’s effects on Utah’s tourism economy are emerging from the data. Utah’s[...]
Insight: The Short- and Long-Term Impacts of COVID-19 on Utah’s Health and Health Care 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™. Rising COVID-19 cases, social distancing, and potential shut-downs are changing the way we think about our health and how we intersect with the health care system. On Wednesday, July 15, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute hosted a Newsmaker Breakfast that focused on the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on Utah’s health and health[...]
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.
Insight: What Negative Oil Prices Really Mean
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™. COVID19 has threatened both livelihoods and lives as well as causing surprises in energy markets. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices sank into negative territory on April 20 for the first time in history (see Figure 1). How could negative crude oil pricing happen and who are the beneficiaries? […]
Insight: Utah Is Positioned Well for Summer Travel Amid 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™. Since mid-March, the travel and tourism industry has been on a wild ride. Stay-at-home orders amid the COVID-19 outbreak have taken a huge toll on the airline industry and other transportation-related businesses. Restaurants and bars have been forced to close or temporarily suspend their dine-in options, while hotels and short-term rentals have experienced mass reservation[...]
Insight: What Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Mean for Utah’s Housing Market?
By: James Wood 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™. For over 40 years, I have made an annual forecast of Utah’s housing market. Never have the economic conditions underlying my forecast been as uncertain and fast-moving as the COVID-19 market, due to the extreme volatility expected in Utah’s job market over the next several months. The good news is that in the second half[...]
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.