Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
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.
Diversity in Utah: Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Data Book
This report provides data and information to help state and community leaders make progress in their equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Gov. Spencer Cox’s One Utah Roadmap, the Utah Legislature’s policies to extend opportunity to all, and business and community leaders’ Utah Compact on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion provide three significant examples in the past year of Utah’s commitment. The data and context provided in this report shed light on existing disparities; help people understand the complexities of these measures; and help provide a starting point for evaluating future progress.
Diversity in Utah: Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Data Book (Analysis in Brief)
Utah ranks as the 34th most racially and ethnically diverse state in the nation, with 22% of the state identifying as other than non-Hispanic White. This places Utah’s racial/ethnic diversity just below Pennsylvania and above several larger states like Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Utah’s minority share of the population is expected to increase to one in three Utahns by 2060.
Diversity in Utah: Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Data Book (Presentation Slides)
Utah ranks as the 34th most racially and ethnically diverse state in the nation, with 22% of the state identifying as other than non-Hispanic White. This places Utah’s racial/ethnic diversity just below Pennsylvania and above several larger states like Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Utah’s minority share of the population is expected to increase to one in three Utahns by 2060.
Market Assessment: Air Quality / Changing Climate Solutions Laboratory
The redevelopment of the Utah State Prison property in Draper, Utah, presents a significant opportunity for a generational investment in Utah’s economic future. Of the 600 acres at the prison site, a portion is being considered for a university-led innovation district that solves difficult challenges and creates high quality jobs in Utah. One of these challenges, and a platform for future innovation, is air quality and a changing climate
May 2021 Utah Consumer Confidence
Our survey finds consumer sentiment among Utahns fell in May. A similar survey by the University of Michigan, but concerning all Americans, also measured a decrease in sentiment during May. Table 1 shows responses to questions that define “sentiment” for Utah (Gardner Institute survey) and the U.S. as a whole (from the University of Michigan).
Fact Sheet: Utah’s 2020 Census Apportionment, Resident, and Overseas Populations
Utah’s status as the fastest-growing state in the nation this decade could not match the absolute growth in other states, which drives the apportionment process. With an apportionment population of 3,275,252, Utah’s congressional delegation remains at four seats for the next decade, with each seat representing approximately 818,813 Utahns.
