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.
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? […]
July 2019 Economic Summary
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: Rising Rents and Changing Preferences Define Salt Lake’s Rental Apartment Market
By: DJ Benway Apartment rental rates in Salt Lake County are nearly double from where they were 18 years ago. In 2000, the average rent for an apartment in Salt Lake County was $647 per month. By 2018, the average rent increased to $1,153 per month (Figure 1). Robust economic and demographic growth, increased demand, and shifting housing preferences have led to exceptional demand for apartments in the region. Despite the record number of apartment units developed since 2014—over 27,000 units—vacancy rates remain low and rental rates continue to increase. Figure 1: Average Rent for Apartment Units in Salt Lake[...]
Insight: As National Health Care Hiring Continues to Slide, Where Does Utah Stand?
By: Laura Summers Health care is one of the nation’s strongest employment sectors. In recent months, however, national headlines pointing to a significant slowing of new jobs in recent months have the industry speculating whether the health care employment boom is coming to an end.[i] Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show declining rates of employment in both April and May 2019 that haven’t been seen since mid-2017. […]
June 2019 Economic Summary
The Utah economy exceeded expectations in 2018, adding a total of 48,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.3% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. A tightening labor market (3.1 percent unemployment) applied upward pressure on personal income. Annual income per capita increased to $45,174, a 3.9 percent increase from last year.