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.
Insight: How Is the Current Health Crisis Impacting Utah’s Real Estate 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™. The success of a strong real estate market is solely dependent on tenants’ ability to pay rent. As we began 2020, no one could have predicted that by April roughly half of retail tenants would miss rent payments, the majority of offices would shift to our homes, and that we would have executive orders putting[...]
Insight: University of Utah casts immense economic and societal footprint in Utah
By: Andrea Brandley and Juliette Tennert When one considers a university, the initial benefits that come to mind include those resulting from students receiving a college education. These benefits are vast on both an individual and a societal level including increased earnings, increased economic mobility, healthier lifestyles, decreased crime, increased volunteerism, increased voter participation, reduced reliance on public assistance, and reduced poverty rate. However, universities can contribute to a society in many diverse ways.[i] […]
April 2020 Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 2.6%, or 40,300 jobs, between March 2019 and March 2020. Nationally, employment increased 1.0%, or 1.4 million jobs, between March 2019 and March 2020.
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.[...]
Insight: Here’s how Utah can avoid a ‘double-dip recession’ and end the COVID-19 economic misery
By: Natalie Gochnour Originally published in the Deseret News 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 economic pain from COVID-19 continues to build. Since late February, approximately 125,000 Utahns (8% of the workforce) have been furloughed or laid off. More job separations are certainly on the way. We are all asking, “When will the economic misery end?” […]
Insight: A Poorly Timed Price War
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™. […]
Insight: Addressing Opioid Use Disorder During COVID-19
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™. Right now it seems that all anyone can talk about is COVID-19, and rightly so. We are in the midst of a life-threatening public health crisis that has shut down our economy and forced Americans to change the way we do business, interact with our families, and live our everyday lives. And while the magnitude[...]
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.