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.
Data Compendium Utah Strategic Energy Framework
H.B. 426, passed in the 2023 General Legislative Session, requires the development of a strategic plan to achieve the state’s energy policy of adequate, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and clean energy resources. The Utah Energy Strike Team prepared the Utah Strategic Energy Framework under the leadership and direction of the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) and the Utah Department of Natural Resource
Utah Strategic Energy Framework
H.B. 426, passed in the 2023 General Legislative Session, requires the development of a strategic plan to achieve the state’s energy policy of adequate, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and clean energy resources. The Utah Energy Strike Team prepared this Utah Strategic Energy Framework under the leadership and direction of the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) and the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
Salt Lake City: Utah’s Thriving Urban Center
Salt Lake City is the foremost flourishing center for commerce, sports, entertainment, culture, and education in the Mountain West. Utah’s capital defies the trends of many urban centers as the forces of decentralization pull people, jobs, and commerce away from the urban core, resulting in urban decay. In the next decade, even as Utah’s capital city grapples with growth challenges, Salt Lake City will welcome thousands of new residents who will benefit from a new Temple Square, may secure a new professional sports franchise(s), will host a second Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and will grow entertainment, cultural offerings, and [...]
Utah Travel and Tourism County Profiles, 2022
The Gardner Institute produces leading travel and tourism research in Utah. We produce reports, profiles, research briefs, fact sheets, data sheets, and blogs on Utah’s visitor economy. Our research informs the Utah Office of Tourism, destination marketing organizations, policymakers, and the general public.
Opportunity Knocks: The Fiscal Impacts of Declining School-age Population in Utah
Utah’s changing demographics, marked by a projected decline in the school-age population, present unique fiscal impacts and opportunities for state and local leaders.
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
