Recent Research
Click on the links below to view the most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.
March 2026 Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased 3.1% in March, according to the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey. This increase (from 79.1 in February to 81.5 in March) is within the survey’s margin of error. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan found that sentiment among Americans as a whole fell 5.8% in March.
Commuting in Utah: 2024 Travel Times
Utahns benefit from shorter commute times than the rest of the nation, with only 14 other states reporting faster average daily commutes. About 7 in 10 Utah commuters (70.5%) report traveling to work in under 30 minutes, with a statewide average travel time of 23.2 minutes. However, daily commutes are gradually growing longer, matching national increases since 2021.
The Benefits of Higher Education to Utah
Utah reaps the benefits of sixteen public colleges and universities that prepare Utah’s workforce for gainful employment, educate its citizenry to support civil society, generate new discoveries that advance the human condition, and create jobs in local communities.
Hearing the Mother’s Voice: Birth Trauma in Utah
Insights from Utah women who experienced birth trauma highlight opportunities to strengthen maternity care and postpartum support.
February 2026 Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased 1.9% in February, according to the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan found that sentiment among Americans as a whole increased by 0.4% in February.
Northwest Valley Datapoints: Northwest Valley Housing
Northwest Valley includes 107,480 total housing units, comprising 42% of Salt Lake County’s housing units and 16% of the state's housing units. Across communities, the housing stock ranges from 44,073 housing units in West Valley City to 10,149 units in Kearns.
A Deeper Dive into Utah 2065
The Long-Term Planning Projections provide insights into age, employment, and growth at the state and county levels over the next four decades.
Northwest Valley Data Points: Northwest Salt Lake County Economics
This fourth installment of the Northwest Valley Data Points series presents economic data for the region, including findings around income, poverty, employment, commuting, and business composition.
January 2026 Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased 0.9% in January, according to the Zions Bank Consumer Sentiment Survey. This increase (from 79.9 in December to 80.6 in January) is within the survey’s margin of error. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan reports that sentiment increased by 6.6% among Americans as a whole during January.
The Economic Contribution of the University of Utah
As Utah’s flagship public university, the University of Utah generates one of the largest economic and societal contributions to the state through education, research, health care, and statewide engagement.
