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.
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.
Insight: COVID-19 Pandemic Creates Unprecedented Challenges for Utah’s Tourism Industry
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™. Right now, my husband is at the kitchen table typing on his laptop, my son is sitting at the kitchen counter working on a math-based web platform, and my teenage daughter is in her bedroom video chatting with her science class. I am stationed at a small desk in my bedroom, our two cats snoozing[...]
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.[...]
Insight: Economic Fundamentals Will Make for Swift Recovery from COVID-19 Pandemic
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™. The financial market turmoil and daily life disruptions caused by the COVID-19 virus seem extraordinary. Other flu pandemics, at least to my memory, did not involve empty grocery store shelves, cancellation of an NBA season, travel bans, and quarantines of cities and, in some cases, country lock-downs. That’s to name a few of the disruptions.[...]
Insight: Despite Public Health Concerns, Utah’s Fiscal House is in Order
By: Juliette Tennert 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™. Earlier this year, we started to hear about a mysterious virus popping up in China. At that time, I never would have imagined that Governor Herbert would be declaring a state of emergency, and the University of Utah, where I work and teach, would be moving classes online for more than 30,000 students in response[...]
Insight: The Best Preparation? Arming Yourself with Good Information
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™. There are a lot of unknowns about the coronavirus (COVID-19), but one thing for certain is the daily flood of information we get about it through news, emails, social media, and chats around the water cooler. Some of this information is good and helpful, but it’s important to be able to sort out the good[...]
Insight: Six economic rules to help Utah during a pandemic
By: Natalie Gochnour Originally published in the Deseret News. The onslaught of information about the coronavirus can do as much harm as good, particularly when it comes to the economy. In what some have called an “infodemic” Utahns like me are asking questions: How do I keep myself and the people I love safe? What sources of information should I trust? Is our response proportionate to the risk? Are we overreacting and hurting our economy in the process? How do we synchronize the public health imperative with sound economic reasoning? I can’t answer these questions with precision, but it’s clear[...]
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.
Insight: State Budget Report Cards Out, Utah a Model Student
By: Juliette Tennert 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 Volcker Alliance gave Utah high marks in state budget practices in its recently released Truth and Integrity in State Budgeting: The Balancing Act report. […]
Insight: Clearing Utah’s Air
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™. The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute this month delivered The Utah Roadmap to Legislative leadership. This study outlines policy options for reducing Utah’s air pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases. Since the study arrived after the 2020 Utah Legislature convened, the Utah Roadmap’s policy options may wait until the 2021 session for thorough discussion by legislators.[...]