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.
Fact Sheet: An Analysis of Labor Supply and Demand in Utah
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development reports that workforce is the number one concern they hear from businesses. Firms talk of difficulty finding an adequate supply of skilled labor. Private-sector employment has grown 3.5 percent annually since 2010. Unemployment rates are at historical lows: 2.8 percent in August 2019. However, wage growth has been sluggish at best, averaging just 1.1 percentage points above inflation since 2010. A tight labor market should lead to faster wage growth as employers compete for the available supply.
Insight: Utah’s Domestic Visitors: Nonresident vs. Resident Travel
By: Jennifer Leaver Utahns know what makes our state special: majestic mountain ranges, red rock deserts, slot canyons, the Western Hemisphere’s largest saltwater lake, world-class winter sports, blue-ribbon trout streams—the list goes on. Did you know that Utah’s natural amenities are the number one draw of domestic nonresident visitors? And that each year, out-of-state visitors spend more money in Utah’s economy than do resident travelers? […]
August 2019 Economic Summary
Outlook 2019—The consensus forecast predicts moderating–but still healthy–job and wage growth, and low unemployment. Internal risks to the Utah economy include the supply of workers, increasing interest rates, housing affordability, and air quality. The nation is entering a late business cycle which may also present challenges. Demographic advantages, an appealing business climate, and increasing labor force participation will continue to be an advantage for the economy. All going well, Utah will once again be one of the top-performing economies in the nation in 2019.
Insight: Utah’s Mental Health Challenges are Significant, but there is a Silver Lining
By: Laura Summers On August 14, 2019, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute released a report on Utah’s Mental Health System. This report was produced in collaboration with the Utah Hospital Association and provides a comprehensive review of the current state of mental health services in Utah, highlighting gaps in services, barriers to providing and accessing care, and considerations for improving the system. A few findings from the report include: […]
Utah’s Mental Health System
Our country is in the midst of a mental health crisis. Increasing suicide rates, untreated anxiety and depression among our youth, traumatic brain injuries, and serious mental illness are all signs of the need for accessible, affordable, and comprehensive mental health services. Utah is not exempt from this crisis. Utah has a high rate of adults with mental illness, but a shortage of mental health providers.
Preschool Development Grant, Ages Birth–Five Qualitative Deliberative Group Data to Inform State Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Services
In May and June of 2019, deliberative groups of parents and early childhood service providers in communities throughout Utah identified challenges and barriers to learning about and accessing early childhood services. Some difficulties, such as a lack of knowledge about the existence of programs, eligibility requirements, and childhood development markers, were noted in all communities. Barriers also varied by community, such as the need for language translation to understand application forms and websites, or a sizable portion of the community living without cars or driver’s licenses. Participants offered ideas to raise awareness about programs, and suggested website names and search[...]
2019 Rural Health Convening (Intermountain Healthcare Convening Proceedings Report)
On June 24–25, 2019, Intermountain Healthcare hosted the 2019 Rural Health Convening in Midway, Utah. The convening brought together leaders from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and rural healthcare providers from the Mountain West.
Utah’s Tech Economy Volume One: Economic Impacts, Industry Trends, Occupations, and Workers
Utah’s tech industry made significant contributions to the state economy in 2018, supporting one in seven Utah jobs and one-sixth of worker earnings in the state. The economic activity generated over $2.5 billion in tax revenue to help fund schools and other government services. […]
Insight: Utah’s Tech Sector Supports One in Seven Jobs in the State
By: Levi Pace Tech is behind every post we see and every screen we touch. It’s every place we have a digital account. I’m typing this blog while working remotely, periodically checking my smartphone. […]
Insight: Utah Park Travel: What are the Summer Hotspots?
By: Jennifer Leaver Summer is here and so is the heat! With Utah temperatures hovering around and surpassing 100 degrees lately, I began thinking about summer vacation and pondering Utah’s travel hotspots (no pun intended). In other words, where in Utah can we expect to see the most visitors this summer, and when is the best time to join ‘em…or avoid ‘em? […]