Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Utah’s Engineering and Computer Science Workforce: Higher Education and Economic Trends
Innovative engineering and computer science professionals— along with the higher education institutions that prepare many of them for the workforce—create vast economic and societal value for Utah.
October 2022 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment rose from 63.9 in September to 66.0 in October, according to the Kem C. Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumers. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found sentiment rose slightly from September (58.6) to October (59.9) among Americans as a whole.
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, Second Quarter 2022
During the first six months of 2022, total permitted construction value reached $7.23 billion, a 1.8% decrease over the same time period from 2021 (see Table 1). However, when controlling for inflation, the construction value decreased 6.0% (see Figure 1). This is the first decrease in inflation-adjusted construction value activity since 2012.
Race and Ethnicity in the 2021 Wasatch Front Labor Force: An Equal Employment Opportunity Analysis
Current data reveals 22.5% of Utahns identify as racial minorities, rising 3.1% from 2020 to 2021.1 This is a faster increase than the comparable 1.7% year-over growth rate of the total population. Racial and ethnic diversity continues to increase across the nation and in Utah
Salt Lake City Data Book: 2022
Utah's capital city demographic resource.
The Changing Dynamics of the Wasatch Front Apartment Market
The demand for rental housing increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in higher rental rates across the Wasatch Front.
Work/Life Balance Preferences: Utah Parents
Statewide survey found a majority of Utah parents with children under the age of 12 work full-time and believe there are a number of workplace policies employers could offer to support them in getting closer to their ideal work and childcare arrangement.
September 2022 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment fell from 66.0 in August to 63.9 in September, according to the Kem C. Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumers. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found sentiment essentially unchanged from August (58.2) to September (58.6) among Americans as a whole.
Utah’s Direct Selling Industry
Utah is a global hub for the direct selling business model. The state’s established direct selling industry anchored over 38,000 well-paying jobs and added significantly to state and local tax revenues as part of its 2020 economic impacts.