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.
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.™ Sep 1, 2023 – 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[...]
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.
Utah Economic Council Forecast, June 2023
Range Forecast for Selected Economic and Business Indicators, 2023 and 2024
Refugees in Utah (2023 Update)
United States law, which is aligned with international law, defines a refugee as any person who is outside their country of nationality or habitation and “is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of, that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion."
Utah’s Pandemic Learning Loss
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of life, and K-12 education was no exception. In spring 2020, nearly all schools nationwide shifted to remote learning and many schools continued with full closures or hybrid schedules through the 2020-2021 school year.
Insight: Superb Communications Critical to Making Informed Decisions
By: Nick Thiriot 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™. […]