Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Utah Informed: Visual Intellection for 2018
The third edition of Utah Informed shows the fruits of Utahns' hard work and the challenges that remain. The tables, charts, ideas, and schematics force the viewer to consider a compelling trend, an innovative idea or an aspirational thought. We call it “visual intellection” because the information both inspires and causes discomfort. We want to make your think. This year, many businesses and individuals have joined the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute as “Partners in the Community.” These partners help fund the public purpose research of the institute so we can help Utah prosper. Our goal is to be honest[...]
Utah: Scrabbling for Innovation absent a Crisis
The 2017 Utah legislative session, an intensely busy 45 days, focused heavily on tax reform, funding of public schools, and addressing the state’s homeless crisis. At the conclusion of the session, the FY18 budget totaled $16.2 billion, a seven percent increase over the FY17 budget. Public schools received a large increase in funding—in total a seven percent increase to address student growth and other programs. The discussions about tax reform failed to produce any agreements and will likely be addressed in the 2018 session. Although homelessness was addressed with more than $12 million in funding for new homeless shelters, low-income[...]
Ivory-Boyer Fourth Quarter Report 2017
The value for all types of permit authorized construction totaled $8.21 billion, a 3.9 percent decrease from 2016 (inflation adjusted dollars) (see Figure 1). The decline in total construction value can be attributed to Salt Lake City issuing a permit for $566 million in 2016 for the redevelopment of the Salt Lake City International Airport. Without this permit, the total construction value for 2017 would be approximately 3 percent higher than in 2016.
December Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2016, contributing a total of 49,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.6% was above the state’s long-term average and among the strongest in the nation. In 2016, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 6.8%.
Utah County Small Area Estimates, 2010-2016
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute prepares small area population estimates to support informed decision making in Utah. This brief presents annual small area housing and population estimates for Utah County from 2010 to 2016. We produced these results using the housing unit method, one of the most widely used estimation methods for detailed geographic levels. This brief shares key information about this set of estimates, including county and small area (census tract) results. The data and methodology are also discussed. Note that all estimates refer to July 1 of each year.
Salt Lake County Small Area Estimates, 2010-2016
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute prepares small area population estimates to support informed decision making in Utah. This brief presents annual small area housing and population estimates for Salt Lake County from 2010 to 2016. We produced these results using the housing unit method, one of the most widely used estimation methods for detailed geographic levels. This brief shares key information about this set of estimates, including county and small area (census tract) results. The data and methodology are also discussed. Note that all estimates refer to July 1 of each year.
November Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2016, contributing a total of 49,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.6% was above the state’s long-term average and among the strongest in the nation. In 2016, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 6.8%.
State and County Population Estimates for Utah: 2017
The Utah Population Committee (UPC), chaired and staffed by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, has produced state and county population estimates for Utah for July 1, 2017. These estimates indicate that the state has added approximately 350,000 people since April 1, 2010, reaching an estimated 3,114,039 Utahns. From 2016-2017, the population grew by 59,045 people. This is an annual growth rate of 1.93 percent, a slight acceleration from the previous year’s 1.92 percent.