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.
Insight: Utah economy expected to continue to prosper in 2016
By: Juliette Tennert, M.S. Yesterday, the Utah Economic Council released its 28th annual Economic Report to the Governor. The report is a collaborative effort of the Council (who are convened by the David Eccles School of Business, the Salt Lake Chamber, and the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget) and a number of public and private sector experts. […]
Insight: Utah's threshold economy breaks through
By: Natalie Gochnour Originally published in the Deseret News The Utah Jazz experienced a breakthrough last year when the franchise traded Enes Kanter and promoted Rudy Gobert to the starting center position. The Jazz have played better basketball ever since. The trade created an inflection point that produced improved chemistry and defense. The young team passed a threshold. […]
Insight: Trends in Retail Sales and Housing Prices
By: James Wood Retail sales in Utah grew by 43 percent from 2003 to 2007, an increase of over $7 billion in just four years. But this remarkable growth was not unique. There have been similar retail booms in Utah’s past and, as in the recent boom, they were closely related to a rapid run-up in housing prices. […]
Insight: Utah’s Intergenerational Poverty Research: A Public Policy Breakthrough
By: Natalie Gochnour Originally published in the Deseret News I’m always looking for public policy breakthroughs that make Utah a better place to live and raise a family. I can think of several great decisions over the years. For instance, Olene Walker sponsored legislation that created Utah’s rainy day fund. It was a lifesaver when the financial crisis hit. The Utah Compact advanced principles to guide Utah’s immigration discussion. This created the context for immigration reform policies that protected public safety, kept families together and strengthened the Utah economy. And when Salt Lake and Utah counties passed ballot initiatives supporting[...]