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.
Salt Lake County Needs Assessment Data
Salt Lake County Needs Assessment Data (PowerPoint) Salt Lake County Needs Assessment Data (PDF) Earlier this year, Salt Lake County’s Community Resources & Development Division conducted a community needs assessment to better understand the critical needs facing our communities. The results of this effort were presented on June 5th and Dr. Pamela Perlich, director of demographic research at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, offered reaction to the needs assessment process and survey results. She also shared some of the latest demographic research she and others have conducted, specific to the future of Salt Lake County and Utah.
Gardner Business Review: What has been the impact of globalization on Utah?
What has been the impact of globalization in Utah? Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute senior fellow James Wood concludes the impact of globalization has been widespread and nearly all positive. A big reason for Utah’s international success is that many of the products we manufacturer are largely immune to offshoring. Utah also has a great need for labor to support our growing economy. Immigrants, rather than displacing local workers, have been a welcome source of labor supply. Data on Utah’s foreign born, refugee resettlement, international travel, and international students also reinforce the positive economic impacts of the cross-border movement of[...]
The Role of Transportation in a Robust Economy
The Role of Transportation in a Robust Economy (PowerPoint) The Role of Transportation in a Robust Economy (PDF) Juliette Tennert, director of economic and public policy research at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, recently spoke to the importance of mass transit and the role it will play in the continued rapid growth of the Wasatch Front. Read more on her comments to local officials and download presentation materials from this page.
May Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 3.3%, or 46,700 jobs, between April 2016 and April 2017. Nationally, employment increased 1.6%, or 2.2 million jobs, between April 2016 and April 2017. Utah’s unemployment rate was 3.1% in April 2017, lower than the April 2016 unemployment rate of 3.5%. The national unemployment rate was 4.4% in April 2017, lower than the April 2016 rate of 5.0%.
May 2017 Newsmaker Breakfast: Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry
The State of Utah's Travel and Tourism Industry, 2017 Travel and Tourism Presentation (PowerPoint) Travel and Tourism Presentation (PDF) The May Newsmaker Breakfast focused on the travel and tourism industry of Utah. 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[...]
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