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
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%.
Salt Lake City Critical Needs Discussion Guide
Salt Lake City’s population is growing and is expected to keep growing. The number of people commuting to Salt Lake City every day to work, learn, be entertained and seek out services like medical care is growing as well. Salt Lake City’s strong economy is bolstered by serving as the hub of northern Utah’s tourism and convention business.
Family Planning Elevated
Facilitated deliberative work session for Family Planning Elevated’s Stakeholder Convening, and provided discussion guide consultation
March 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. The consensus forecast predicts moderating–but still healthy–job and wage growth, low unemployment, and increased net migration in 2018.
Research Brief: Housing Prices and the Threat to Affordability
Utah business and community leaders wisely pay close attention to housing affordability. Since 1991 Utah housing prices have outpaced every state but Colorado, Oregon and Montana. The rate of housing price increases and challenges created by higher prices are on the minds of many decision-makers. Consequently, the Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest business association, contracted with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to collect, organize, and review housing affordability data and produce the following report. […]
Policy Brief: Designation of Opportunity Zones
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has prepared an initial evaluation of census tracts within Utah with significant economic need and market potential. We conducted this research to help Gov. Gary Herbert make an informed decision as he designates “opportunity zones” in Utah as part of the Investing in Opportunity Act.
Policy Brief: Utah’s Olympic Economic Legacy, 2018
The 2002 Olympic Winter Games enlarged the Utah economy and left a lasting economic legacy. This legacy continues to grow and change as the Utah economy matures in each subsequent year since the Games.
