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.
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%.
Insight: Travel & Tourism Employment: Not all jobs are created equal
By: Jennifer Leaver In the early 1990s, I spent three summers living and working in Moab, Utah. At the time, Moab was transitioning from a uranium boomtown/ranching community to a thriving tourism economy. Located between two national parks (Arches and Canyonlands) and bordered by the Colorado River, Moab offers limitless outdoor recreation opportunities to adventure-seekers from around the world. While living there, I worked in a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and retail shops. I had friends that worked as river guides, EMTs, bus drivers, photographers, and recreational outfitters. The perks of working in a tourist town—stunning scenery, ample recreation[...]
Insight: The Jazz are Utah: Looking back on the Jazz wins off the court
By: Jennifer Robinson The Utah Jazz are done playing for the 2017-2018 season, but their impact on the community will last all year. Thanks to the leadership and values held both on and off the court, Utah’s NBA basketball franchise has garnered a massive following across the state and region, producing a large positive impact for our state. Utah Jazz President Steve Starks joined Natalie Gochnour for May’s Newsmaker Breakfast (watch recording here) to discuss this impact. […]
Insight: International Trade and Utah’s Economic Success
By: Gov. Gary R. Herbert Editor’s note: In this guest blog post, we publish a policy speech delivered by Utah governor Gary Herbert at the 2018 Economic Summit held April 27, 2018 in Salt Lake City. Gov. Herbert shares his views on Utah’s export economy, the importance of free trade, his support of NAFTA (including the need to modernize it), and his concerns about protectionist policies. The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Policy Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help[...]
Insight: Act now to avoid a housing affordability crisis in Utah
By: Natalie Gochnour Originally published in the Deseret News. The Utah economy continues to perform. The expansion celebrated its eighth birthday this year, and the federal tax cuts will extend the expansion, which is already the nation’s and state’s second longest ever. These are prosperous times. Every economic expansion party has a host of well-wishers — low unemployment, strong job growth, in-migration and rising incomes bring plastic hats, whistles and gifts to the party. But every party also has the party pooper, the rude uncle who can’t leave well-enough alone. […]
Insight: Utah Housing Affordability: Avoiding a Potential Crisis
By: DJ Benway Since 2010, Utah has led the nation in population and job growth. This growth has put tremendous pressure on our state’s housing market. Every Utahn interacts in some way with the housing market, whether we are renters, homeowners, first-time homebuyers, or none of the above; all Utahns are affected by the housing market. Panelist Dan Lofgren, President and CEO of Cowboy Partners, expressed this sentiment during the Informed Decisions Seminar on housing affordability at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute on Tuesday, May 1. Alongside Lofgren were panelists Clark Ivory, Chief Executive Officer of Ivory Homes, and[...]
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[...]