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: Teacher Salaries: How Does Utah Compare?
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™. Teacher salaries are receiving a boost as Utah’s 2023 legislative session concludes. H.B. 215 “Funding for Teacher Salaries and Optional Education Opportunities” provides licensed educators with an annual $4,200 pay raise (with an extra $1,800 in benefits). Additionally, S.B. 183 “Educator Salary Amendments” will tie educator salary adjustments to the weighted pupil unit (WPU)[...]
Hachman Index of Economic Diversity, 2021
The Hachman Index measures economic diversity. Using indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP) or employment, the index measures the mix of industries present in a particular region relative to a (well-diversified) reference region.
Policy Brief: Housing Prices and Affordability
In 2022, higher home prices and a doubling of the mortgage rate combined to erode housing affordability. Thus, homeownership has become more difficult for many of Utah’s 333,000 renter households.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2021
Utah’s travel and tourism industry has experienced a healthy post-pandemic recovery, yet continues to face a service industry labor shortage, stunted international visitation, and inflationary headwinds.
An Economic Summary of Utah’s Cultural Industry, 2023
In 2021, Utah’s cultural industry, which comprises the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $10.1 billion in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 65,300 Utah jobs.
February Newsmaker Breakfast: Great Salt Lake Policy Assessment Slides
Presented by the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, a Collaboration of Utah's Research Universities and State Agencies
Great Salt Lake Strike Team Policy Assessment Executive Summary
Declining water levels threaten economic activity, public health, and ecosystems of Great Salt Lake and surrounding communities. This policy assessment provides a summary of data, insights, and policy options that will inform strategies to improve water management and increase deliveries to the lake. The Strike Team quickly synthesizes cutting-edge research and delivers information to those who need it most. It includes top researchers from Utah’s research universities who are experts in public policy, hydrology, water management, climatology, and dust. They join with experts from Utah state agencies, who are the “boots on the ground” in overseeing Great Salt Lake. In[...]
Great Salt Lake Policy Assessment: A Synthesized Resource Document for the 2023 General Legislative Session
Declining water levels threaten economic activity, public health, and ecosystems of Great Salt Lake and surrounding communities. This policy assessment provides a summary of data, insights, and policy options that will inform strategies to improve water management and increase deliveries to the lake. The Strike Team quickly synthesizes cutting-edge research and delivers information to those who need it most. It includes top researchers from Utah’s research universities who are experts in public policy, hydrology, water management, climatology, and dust. They join with experts from Utah state agencies, who are the “boots on the ground” in overseeing Great Salt Lake. In[...]
An Economic Overview for Utah and U.S.
Utah enters 2023 facing significant economic uncertainty as decision-makers continue to grapple with ever-changing pockets of economic strength and weakness. The post-pandemic economy has altered many traditional economic relationships. These economic transformations make accurate predictions challenging because it’s unclear if or when old patterns will return, or if new arrangements will chart a different economic course.
Utah Economic Council Forecast for 2023
The Utah Economic Council, convened by the David Eccles School of Business and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, publishes regular economic forecasts related to the Utah and U.S. economies. This includes potential risks to both the state and national economies that the council assesses and weighs.