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.
An Economic Summary of Davis County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
Davis County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $691.0 million in output (direct spending) in 2022. This $691.0 million directly supported an estimated 5,060 jobs and indirectly supported an additional 2,391 jobs in Davis County.
An Economic Summary of Washington County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
Washington County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $570.5 million in output (direct spending) in 2022. This $570.5 million directly supported an estimated 3,505 jobs and indirectly supported an additional 2,499 jobs in Washington County
New Utah: Keepers of the Flame Summary Document
As keepers of the flame, Utahns entrust those in public service with the responsibility to keep Utah strong and flourishing. Utah leaders’ guidance of the New Utah will determine the state’s future success. This summary presents evidence for the New Utah. It also shares ideas on what leaders can do today to keep Utah’s flame burning bright long into the future.
The New Utah: Keepers of the Flame Monograph
As keepers of the flame, Utahns entrust those in public service with the responsibility to keep Utah strong and flourishing. Utah leaders’ guidance of the New Utah will determine the state’s future success. This summary presents evidence for the New Utah. It also shares ideas on what leaders can do today to keep Utah’s flame burning bright long into the future.
Insight: Concerns About Affordability Continue to Frame Utah’s Changing Health Care Coverage Landscape
By: Melanie Beagley The last decade saw significant changes to the health care coverage landscape in Utah and across the U.S. The passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ushered in efforts to expand health care coverage to population groups historically uninsured or underinsured, including households living near or below the federal poverty level and young adults. It also supported certain employers in providing health care coverage to their employees[i],[ii] and prohibited health plans from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions.[iii] […]
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, September 2023 (Tri-Fold Brochure)
Visitors spent a record $11.98 billion in Utah’s economy in 2022, generating 152,800 total jobs and a record $2.12 billion in total state and local tax revenue. Utah ski resort visitation (7.1 million skier days) was at an all-time high during the 2022-2023 season, up 22% from the previous season.
State of the State’s Housing Market, 2022-2024
The pandemic years created unmatched volatility in Utah’s housing market. The volatility in these past two years surpassed 50 years of housing history. Building permits for residential units increased by 26% in 2021, only to fall by 26% in 2022. These COVID-19 pandemic years now join the Great Recession as one of those unique moments in Utah's housing market. The Great Recession produced 16 consecutive quarters of declining housing prices, while the pandemic produced the shortest and steepest homebuilding expansion and contraction on record.
Insight: The Role of Education in the Utah Economy
By: Andrea Thomas Brandley Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS.™ Education plays a crucial role in Utah’s economy. One of the most discussed contributions is workforce development—or educating and training students to be prepared to enter the labor force. Whether in preschool or graduate school, education helps Utahns expand their knowledge and build skills they can later apply in both their personal and professional[...]
Medicaid: What is FMAP and Why Does It Matter?
The Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) is the share of Medicaid costs funded by the federal government.
August 2023 Newsmaker Travel and Tourism Industry Outlook Presentation
Utah’s tourism economy has experienced a strong recovery since the pandemic more than three years ago. Visitor spending, jobs, and tax revenue have all surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Utah’s ski industry reported another record year, while the state’s “Mighty 5” national parks and state parks continue to attract visitors from across the nation and around the world.