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: The Role of Industrial Banks in the Utah Economy – But First, What Is an Industrial Bank?
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™. Aug 4, 2020 – In 2019, Utah’s 14 industrial banks held $140.6 billion in assets, such as loans, 93.5% of the total for all industrial banks in the United States. That large majority caught my eye as I’ve lived in Utah my whole life, and up until last month I had no idea what[...]
An Economic Analysis of Utah’s Industrial Banks (Snapshot)
Industrial banks have a significant economic presence in Utah, the nationwide center for this banking segment with a 110-year history. The state’s current and former industrial banks pay above average wages and make community investments. In 2019, current industrial banks’ economic impacts included 6,468 instate jobs in all major sectors, $722.0 million in state GDP, and $32.0 million in state and local tax revenue in Utah.
An Economic Analysis of Utah’s Industrial Banks
Industrial banks generate substantial economic benefits in Utah, the nationwide center for this banking segment with a 110-year history.
Insight: Salt Lake City’s Commercial Real Estate Continues to Expand
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™. Jul 31, 2020 – Utah’s capital city has seen tremendous growth over the last several decades. Along with record increases in apartments, office, industrial, and retail space has also experienced major growth. The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recently published a report highlighting the historic supply and recent demand drivers for commercial real estate in[...]
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™. Jul 23, 2020 – 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[...]
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™. Jul 16, 2020 – 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[...]
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.