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.
Featured Research
The Utah Demographic and Economic Model
Models certainly do not replace thinking, but rather inform thinking. We build models to organize thought processes, understand relationships, shed light on cause and effect, and, ultimately, help people make INFORMED DECISIONS. In a high-growth state like Utah, long-term demographic and economic projection models provide vital information that helps with education, transportation, water, and other policies. They count on the development, upkeep, and operation of these models to help them make smart decisions and, ultimately, help our state prosper.
Utah Outdoor Partners Survey of Businesses, 2018
Utah is currently experiencing a period of dynamic economic growth. Executives from 50 of the fastest growing companies in Utah were interviewed to determine the influence Utah's outdoor recreational opportunities have on location decisions, employee recruitment and retention, and the overall desirability of doing business in the state.
Gardner Industry Trends Model
The Gardner Industry Trends Model (GITM) produces statewide long-term employment projections by major industry. These employment projections serve as drivers for the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s (GPI) long-term demographic projections.
June 2018 Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2017, contributing a total of 43,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.1% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. In 2017, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 5.4%.
Ivory-Boyer First Quarter Report 2018
The value of all permit authorized construction in Utah during the first quarter of 2018 was $2 billion. This is a 7.5 percent increase from first quarter 2017. This rise was led by an increase in residential construction which represented 64 percent of total construction value this quarter. Overall, construction values rose after two consecutive quarterly declines in 2017.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2018
Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry generates jobs and income for Utah residents and produces tax revenue for state and local governments. Domestic and international visitors are drawn to Utah’s natural, cultural, and historical assets. Utah has 14 ski resorts, 10 of which are less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, as well as five national parks, 11 national monuments, two national recreation areas, one national historic site, and 43 state parks. Throughout the year, Utah hosts several arts events, such as the Moab Music Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Tuacahn Theater Series, Utah Arts Festival, Utah Festival [...]
May 2018 Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2017, contributing a total of 43,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.1% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. In 2017, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 5.4%.
Gardner Business Review: What Rapidly Rising Prices Mean for Housing Affordability
Since 2010, Utah has led the country in employment and demographic growth. This growth has produced exceptionally strong demand for housing, which in turn has put upward pressure on housing prices.
Informed Decisions Seminar on Housing Affordability
Gardner Business Review: What Rapidly Rising Prices Mean for Housing Affordability PowerPoint: Housing Affordability The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has released a landmark report on the rapid appreciation of housing prices in Utah and the threat to affordability. Researchers found that Utah’s rapid employment and demographic growth has produced exceptionally strong demand for housing, which in turn has put upward pressure on housing prices. A housing shortage has ensued, with the supply of new homes and existing “for sale” homes falling short of demand. The research links on this page includes the full Gardner Business Review that details the rise [...]
April 2018 Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2017, contributing a total of 43,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.1% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. In 2017, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 5.4%.
