Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
The Utah Roadmap: Positive Solutions on Climate and Air Quality
At the request of the Utah Legislature, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute – with the assistance of a 37-person Technical Advisory Committee – prepared this Utah Roadmap to assist with legislative policy making to improve air quality and address causes and impacts of a changing climate. The Utah Roadmap identifies areas of opportunity to further reduce air emissions and ensure a healthy, productive and prosperous future for all Utahns. On January 6, the Gardner Institute released the Utah Roadmap for public review and will consider feedback as the recommendations are finalized. The Gardner Institute will accept feedback until January [...]
December 2019 Economic Summary
Utah’s total personal income reached $156.1 billion* in the third quarter of 2019, rising 6.0% from the third quarter of 2018. Utah’s growth ranked 3rd in the nation. Nationally, personal income increased 4.5% over the same period.
Fact Sheet: U.S. Census Bureau 2014-2018 5-Year American Community Survey Estimates
Today marks the release of the 2014-2018 5-Year American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates. The ACS is an ongoing survey that provides information on social, demographic, and economic characteristics of communities. The ACS began in 2008 and replaced the Census Long Form in 2010. Each year, the Census Bureau provides a new update to both the 1 and 5 Year Estimates. This is the second release shared on the new data.census.gov platform.
Ivory-Boyer Construction Report, 3rd Quarter 2019
This year is shaping up to be another record year for Utah’s construction industry. Through the third quarter of 2019, the total value of permit-authorized construction is $7.4 billion, surpassing the pre-recession high of $7.2 billion in 2007 (inflation-adjusted). The residential sector accounts for 60% of the total statewide value. Most of the residential growth is in apartments.
State and County Population Estimates for Utah: 2019
The Utah Population Committee (UPC), chaired by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, produced Utah’s state and county population estimates for July 1, 2019. The 2019 estimates are based on the most recent Decennial Census (2010). Each subsequent year since 2010 the UPC estimation process becomes more challenging and uncertain. The upcoming 2020 Decennial Census will serve as the baseline for population estimates moving forward.
November 2019 Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 3.3%, or 51,200 jobs, between October 2018 and October 2019. Nationally, employment increased 1.4%, or 2.1 million jobs, between October 2018 and October 2019.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2018
Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry provides jobs and income for Utah residents and contributes state and local tax revenue. Utah’s natural, cultural, and historical assets draw domestic and international visitors year-round. Since 2014, visitor spending in Utah’s economy increased by an average 3.4% annually when adjusted for inflation. In 2018, travelers directly spent a record $9.75 billion in Utah, generating an estimated 136,000 total Utah jobs, and $1.28 billion in state and local tax revenue. Utah’s national parks, state parks, and ski resorts experienced record visitation in 2018 as well.
Demographic County Profiles by Age, Sex, Race and Ethnicity, 2010–2018
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute produces an annual suite of detailed population estimates. These control to official numbers published by the Utah Population Committee. The Census Bureau produces similar population estimates that are used for federal purposes. Our estimates incorporate local data sources and knowledge to account for unique Utah characteristics, and also add additional detail. They are generated using statistical models including the Utah Demographic and Economic Model (UDEM).
