Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
July 2021 Utah Consumer Confidence
The Gardner Institute survey of consumer sentiment finds sentiment among Utahns fell between June and July of 2021. The University of Michigan reports comparable declines among Americans as a whole.
Fact Sheet: Outdoor Recreation and Utah Business
Utah’s tech sector is the fastest growing industry in the state while offering well-paying jobs that often encourage a healthy work-life balance. Access to year-round outdoor recreation is the most important factor to tech employees when deciding to locate or stay in Utah. A companion study of Utah businesses found the outdoor lifestyle helps with locating and expanding operations in Utah, employee recruitment and retention, and the desirability to do business in the state.
Retail Sales and the Pandemic: A Most Remarkable Year
This research brief examines 2020 retail trade sales in the context of long-term historical trends in sales activity. A seemingly straightforward comparative analysis of yearly sales, however, was complicated by data comparability issues. Hence, care was taken to ensure an “apples to apples” approach, which required some discussion of evolving tax reporting and remittance requirements
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, First Quarter 2021
Construction activity continued its record-setting pace in an unconventional economic environment. Through the first three months of 2021 total permitted construction value reached $3.4 billion, a record and a 37.1% increase over the same time period from 2020. The record-breaking quarter was led by a surge in residential construction activity. Residential construction value reached $2.0 billion in the first quarter of 2021, surpassing last year’s record by 32.2%. Nonresidential construction value surged by 47.1% from Q1 2020 to $0.8 billion. Additions, alterations, and repairs permitted values increased 41.5% from 2020 to $0.6 billion, also a record.
Moving Past Net Migration: Demographic Characteristics of Utah’s Recent Migrants
Migration is becoming a more reliable component of Utah’s population growth. Migrants are demographically different from the rest of Utah, contributing to the changing demographics of the state.
Back to Baseline: Utah’s Tourism Economy Rebounds Post-Pandemic, 2021
One year since the arrival of COVID in the U.S. and Utah’s tourism economy is back on track. Leisure and hospitality employment in southern Utah rebounded “back to baseline” last fall, while the rest of the state began catching up this spring. Statewide, hotel occupancy rates returned to 2019 levels this April, while transient room tax revenue surpassed 2019 levels this February and March.
A Time to Build: Physical, Human, and Social Capital (Presentation)
Now is a time to build - both in our businesses and in our community. Growth means we must invest in physical capital. Structural changes mean we must invest in human capital.
Fertility in Utah Fact Sheet: Recent Changes
Despite having the highest total fertility rate in the nation for many years, Utah’s total fertility rate is now the 3rd highest in the nation, behind North Dakota and South Dakota. Increases in fertility rates for mothers age 30 and over in the Dakotas, combined with substantial decreases in fertility rates for young mothers in Utah, have driven this shift.
June 2021 Utah Consumer Confidence
Our survey finds consumer sentiment among Utahns held steady from May to June. A similar survey by the University of Michigan, but concerning all Americans, measured a gain in sentiment over the same time period.
Utah Outdoor Partners Survey of Tech Sector Employees
The most important factor for Utah’s tech sector employees deciding to move to or stay in Utah is access to outdoor recreation and wilderness.