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: 2015 Utah Tourism Conference Attracts Record Attendance
By: Jennifer Leaver In keeping with recent record-setting trends in Utah’s tourism sector, the 2015 Utah Tourism Conference sold out for the first time to record attendance. Though holding the early October conference at the entrance to breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park – and offering hikes, horseback rides, canyoneering, and star-viewing opportunities to conference attendees – certainly didn’t hurt! […]
Insight: 2015 Utah Office Construction Near Record Levels
By: James Wood The value of construction activity in Utah is at its highest level in seven years. Through the second quarter of 2015 Utah office construction statewide totaled $3.6 billion, including $2.1 billion in residential construction and $1.5 billion in nonresidential construction. Most surprising has been the strength of the nonresidential sector with construction value approaching the record level of 2008 (see Figure 1). Much of the strength of the nonresidential sector is due to new industrial and office building development (see Table 1). […]