Recent Research
Click on the links below to view the most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.
Utah Innovation Ecosystems
Utah's higher education institutions, well-trained workforce, collaborative atmosphere, and culture of innovation contribute to the state's strong innovation ecosystems.
A Visual Guide to Tax Modernization in Utah Part Five: Business Taxes
Utahns share a common interest in a state and local tax system that provides for our needs, keeps the economy strong, and remains viable over the long term. This visual guide, the fifth in a series, illustrates key components of Utah’s business taxes.
November 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment significantly increased in November (by 9.1%, from 80.7 in October to 88.1 in November), according to the Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Tourism, Recreation, and Restaurant Taxes in Utah
Tourism in Utah generates significant tourism-specific and other taxes, but regional differences in local revenues and tourism impacts can pose challenges.
October 2024 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased by 3.6% in October 2024 (from 77.9 in September to 80.7 in October), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment.
Fact Sheet: 2020 Census Urban Areas in Utah
Data from the 2020 census showed that nearly 9 out of 10 Utahns lived in Census Bureau Urban Areas, regions that account for around 1% of the land area in the state.
Fiscal Contrast: An Analysis of State and Federal Fiscal Processes
States and the federal government both employ sovereign fiscal powers to tax, spend, and borrow, although their fiscal approaches differ starkly.
Salt Lake County’s Life Sciences and Health Care Innovation Industry
Life sciences and health care innovation plays a vital role in Salt Lake County’s economy, supporting employment, generating earnings, and boosting GDP.
Exploring Utah’s Asian Groups: A Detailed Analysis
More than 125,000 Utahns identify as Asian, either alone or in combination with other races. These residents compose the state’s 3rd largest racial and ethnic group, accounting for more than 3.8% of the state’s population.
The Evolving Landscape of Utah’s Short-Term Rental Market
Short-term rental (STR) growth accelerated dramatically across the United States as the COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer behaviors, thus increasing their market demand. This report summarizes the recent trends in the growth of STRs across Utah and how this growth relates to the total housing supply.
