Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Salt Lake County Renter Demographics
Housing outcomes depend on local economic health, and they diverge for racial, ethnic, and other groups.
An Historic Overview of Office, Industrial, and Retail Development and Their Recent Demand Drivers in Salt Lake City
Over the past few decades, Salt Lake City has experienced not only major residential growth, but also a commercial boom. Utah’s economic success has translated into a vibrant commercial real estate market.
Fact Sheet: U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Cities and Housing Units, Vintage 2019
The Census Bureau’s most recent release on May 21, 2020 provides population estimates for incorporated places (cities and towns) and housing unit estimates at the state and county level from Census 2010 to July 1, 2019. The city level estimates utilize locally submitted building permits as the basis to estimate population. They are then controlled to the county estimate totals, which were published in March 2020.
New Americans in Salt Lake County: A Qualitative Study of Service Providers to Immigrants and Refugees
Salt Lake County is home to over half of Utah’s new Americans. This population is ever-changing; the number of arrivals, major country or region of origin, and reason for moving to Utah can fluctuate in any given year. There is no monolithic population of new Americans in Salt Lake County – Salt Lake City’s foreign-born population has different characteristics and needs than that of West Valley, South Salt Lake, or Herriman. The diversity in these communities continues to grow, change, and impact the entire county as people place roots and grow their families.
April 2020 Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 2.6%, or 40,300 jobs, between March 2019 and March 2020. Nationally, employment increased 1.0%, or 1.4 million jobs, between March 2019 and March 2020.
Economic Contribution of University of Utah Health
University of Utah Health (U of U Health) serves as the state’s only academic medical center and provides patient care for the people of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and much of Nevada. In 2019, U of U Health directly and indirectly supported 47,500 jobs, $3.0 billion in earnings, and $3.9 billion in the Utah economy. These impacts, and the services provided by the tripartite clinical, research, and academic mission, create an academic medical center that makes a profound and positive impact on people’s lives and the state of Utah.
Economic Contribution of the University of Utah
The University of Utah directly and indirectly supported 83,100 jobs, $4.6 billion in earnings, and $6.3 billion in GDP in the Utah economy in 2019, making it one of the largest economic assets in the state. The U’s direct employment of 39,300 jobs makes the U the largest employer in the state. In addition, the U’s 2019 education and patient care reach includes 32,994 students, 8,268 degrees and certificates, more than 550 buildings in 16 counties and 38 cities in Utah, and approximately two million patient visits. As an institution of higher learning, the U also imparts significant societal benefits. [...]
Moving Toward Evidence-Based Programs: Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Utah
Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury death in Utah, and opioid-related drug overdoses are a significant contributor to the rise in drug overdose deaths in recent history. In 2018, close to half of all opioid overdose deaths were prescription related, and 47% involved illicit opioids such as heroin. Fortunately, opioid use disorder (OUD) can be treated. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is “a combination of psychosocial therapy and U.S. Food and Drug Administration– approved medication”iii and has positive, evidence-based effects on OUD.
Salt Lake and Utah County Subcounty Estimates, 2010-2019
Utah’s ongoing growth perpetuates the need for current housing and population estimates for cities and neighborhoods. This analysis provides these estimates for Salt Lake and Utah Counties, which are home to over half of Utah’s population and have contributed 54% of the growth that has made Utah the fastest-growing state this decade. Salt Lake County grew 1.0% from 2018 to 2019, Utah County grew 2.8%, and both counties experienced their largest growth in housing units of any year this decade.
