Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
An Economic Overview for Utah and U.S.
Utah enters 2023 facing significant economic uncertainty as decision-makers continue to grapple with ever-changing pockets of economic strength and weakness. The post-pandemic economy has altered many traditional economic relationships. These economic transformations make accurate predictions challenging because it’s unclear if or when old patterns will return, or if new arrangements will chart a different economic course.
Income Tax insights
In recent decades, income tax revenue growth outpaced growth in the two other major taxes (property tax and sales and use tax), even with tax rate cuts. In fact, since full implementation of Utah’s current single rate system in 2008, Utah’s income tax base has more than paced with the economy.
February 2023 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment decreased from 75.6 in January to 70.4 in February, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found sentiment rose from January (64.9) to February (67.0) among Americans as a whole.
Utah Economic Council Forecast for 2023
The Utah Economic Council, convened by the David Eccles School of Business and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, publishes regular economic forecasts related to the Utah and U.S. economies. This includes potential risks to both the state and national economies that the council assesses and weighs.
Economic Insights – Current Conditions & Outlook
Amid Headwinds, Utah’s Fundamentals Remain Strong
Utah Informed 2023: Visual Intellection for 2023
Utah Informed is a collection of tables, charts, ideas, and schematics to prompt consideration of a compelling trend, spur an innovative idea, or inspire an aspirational thought. Decision makers are advantaged when they understand the past 20 years as they plan for the next 20 years. It is in the spirit of seeing more clearly and preparing for the future that we produce Utah Informed. In it, we provide relevant and interesting information to help Utahns make informed decisions in the coming year in the coming year and beyond. The Gardner Institute, in partnership with the Salt Lake Chamber, publishes Utah[...]
2023 Economic Report to the Governor (Highlights)
Utah enters 2023 facing significant economic uncertainty as decision-makers continue to grapple with ever-changing pockets of economic strength and weakness. The post-pandemic economy has altered many traditional economic relationships.
2023 Economic Report to the Governor
The 2023 Economic Report to the Governor is the 35th publication in this series. Through the last three and a half decades, the Economic Report to the Governor has served as the preeminent source for data, research, and analysis about the Utah economy. It includes a national and state economic overview, a summary of state government economic development activities, an analysis of economic activity based on the standard indicators, and a detailed review of industries and issues of particular interest.
January 2023 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased from 68.7 in December 2022 to 75.6 in January 2023, according to the Kem C. Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumers. A similar survey by the University of Michigan also found sentiment rose from December (59.7) to January (64.9) among Americans as a whole.