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.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2017
Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry generates jobs and income for Utah residents and produces tax revenue for the state. Domestic and international travelers and tourists 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, eight national monuments, two national recreation areas, one national historic site and 43 state parks.
Utah’s Defense Sector: Economic Impacts of the Military and Veterans
The Utah Defense Alliance and the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs commissioned the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to assess the economic impacts of Utah’s defense industry. The Gardner Policy Institute analyzed the impacts of current operations of Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground, Tooele Army Depot, the Utah National Guard, reserves, recruiting, ROTC and expenditures on behalf of veterans.
April Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 3.2%, or 45,300 jobs, between March 2016 and March 2017. Nationally, employment increased 1.5%, or 2.2 million jobs, between March 2016 and March 2017.
Ivory-Boyer Year-End Construction Report, 2016
For the sixth consecutive year, permit authorized construction increased in Utah. The value for all types of permit authorized construction totaled $8.17 billion, the second highest value in Utah’s history
Ivory-Boyer First Quarter Report 2017
The value of all permit authorized construction in Utah during the first quarter of 2017 was $1.92 billion, a three percent decrease from the first quarter of 2016. While a relatively minor decrease, it is the first decline in first quarter total construction value since 2012. The slowdown in overall construction was attributable to the 30 percent decline in nonresidential construction value.
