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: Nuclear in Utah’s Energy Mix
By: Thomas HolstNote: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the views shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. […]
Relational Health: The Connection Between Adult and Childhood Mental Health
Childhood mental health is influenced by several factors, including genetic predisposition, parental or caregiver mental health, and exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as violence in the home or community, emotional abuse or neglect, and economic hardship. Although the relationship between these factors is complex, Utah’s higher-than-average ACE scores and adult mental health needs indicate areas of potential influence to support childhood mental health in the state.
An Economic Summary of Uintah County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
Uintah County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $37.2 million in output (direct spending) in 2022. This $37.2 million directly supported an estimated 330 jobs and indirectly supported an additional 95 jobs in Uintah County.
An Economic Summary of Utah County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
In 2022, Utah County’s cultural industry, including the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $2.20 billion in output (direct spending). This $2.20 billion in cultural in spending directly supported an estimated 15,008 Utah County jobs and indirectly supported an additional 10,059 jobs.
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 Sep 27, 2023 – 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.