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 Homeless Services: Governance Structure and Funding Model
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute prepared this assessment of Utah’s homeless services governance structure and funding at the request of the Utah Legislature and the philanthropic community. This assessment involved a collaborative review process of the governance structure and funding model in Utah. Utah has made strides towards our goal of making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. This is a tribute to the service providers and leaders of this state. The next step is to create a simpler, more transparent, and coordinated system for homeless services that will better serve those in need. We offer these six recommendations to[...]
October 2020 Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment decreased by an estimated 0.9%, or 14,800 jobs, between September 2019 and September 2020. Nationally, employment decreased by 6.4%, or 9.7 million jobs, between September 2019 and September 2020.
Insight: COVID-19 Spotlights Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in Utah
By: Andrea Thomas Brandley 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™. Oct 25, 2020 – As COVID-19 continues to spread, data reveal unequal impacts across population groups. Communities of color nationwide have been hit hard by the coronavirus, and Utah is no exception. The Hispanic/Latino population is Utah’s largest minority group. While they make up 14.2% of the state’s population, they account for 29.5% of[...]
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™. Oct 5, 2020 – 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™. […]