Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
“Informed Discussions” Podcast Ep. 2: Utah Demographics with Dr. Pamela Perlich
The U.S. Census Bureau recently released the latest population estimates for Utah, showing continuing shifts in the demographic profile of the state. Dr. Pam Perlich, director of demographic research at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, breaks down the data in the latest "Informed Discussions" podcast.
Ivory-Boyer Second Quarter Report 2017
Construction activity has had a strong start in 2017, with the mid-year numbers at the highest level in 10 years. The number of building permits issued for residential units through the first six months was 11,145, nearly 22 percent higher than 2016 and the highest mid-year level since 2007 (see Figure 1). Total construction valuation at $4.1 billion was also at the highest midyear level since 2007 and five percent above 2016 (see Figure 2).
“Informed Discussions” Podcast: Globalization
What has been the impact of globalization in Utah? Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute senior fellow James Wood concludes the impact of globalization has been widespread and nearly all positive. A big reason for Utah’s international success is that many of the products we manufacturer are largely immune to offshoring. Utah also has a great need for labor to support our growing economy. Immigrants, rather than displacing local workers, have been a welcome source of labor supply. Data on Utah’s foreign born, refugee resettlement, international travel, and international students also reinforce the positive economic impacts of the cross-border movement of[...]
Insight: Economic Impacts of the Military and Veterans
Utah’s Defense Sector: Economic Impacts of the Military and Veterans (PowerPoint) Utah’s Defense Sector: Economic Impacts of the Military and Veterans (PDF) The Utah Defense Alliance and the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs commissioned the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to assess the economic impacts of Utah’s defense industry. The Gardner Policy Institute analyzed the impacts of current operations of Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground, Tooele Army Depot, the Utah National Guard, reserves, recruiting, ROTC and expenditures on behalf of veterans. The Institute also examined Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs grants[...]
Salt Lake County Needs Assessment Data
Salt Lake County Needs Assessment Data (PowerPoint) Salt Lake County Needs Assessment Data (PDF) Earlier this year, Salt Lake County’s Community Resources & Development Division conducted a community needs assessment to better understand the critical needs facing our communities. The results of this effort were presented on June 5th and Dr. Pamela Perlich, director of demographic research at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, offered reaction to the needs assessment process and survey results. She also shared some of the latest demographic research she and others have conducted, specific to the future of Salt Lake County and Utah.
Gardner Business Review: What has been the impact of globalization on Utah?
What has been the impact of globalization in Utah? Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute senior fellow James Wood concludes the impact of globalization has been widespread and nearly all positive. A big reason for Utah’s international success is that many of the products we manufacturer are largely immune to offshoring. Utah also has a great need for labor to support our growing economy. Immigrants, rather than displacing local workers, have been a welcome source of labor supply. Data on Utah’s foreign born, refugee resettlement, international travel, and international students also reinforce the positive economic impacts of the cross-border movement of[...]
The Role of Transportation in a Robust Economy
The Role of Transportation in a Robust Economy (PowerPoint) The Role of Transportation in a Robust Economy (PDF) Juliette Tennert, director of economic and public policy research at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, recently spoke to the importance of mass transit and the role it will play in the continued rapid growth of the Wasatch Front. Read more on her comments to local officials and download presentation materials from this page.
May Economic Summary
Utah’s nonagricultural employment increased an estimated 3.3%, or 46,700 jobs, between April 2016 and April 2017. Nationally, employment increased 1.6%, or 2.2 million jobs, between April 2016 and April 2017. Utah’s unemployment rate was 3.1% in April 2017, lower than the April 2016 unemployment rate of 3.5%. The national unemployment rate was 4.4% in April 2017, lower than the April 2016 rate of 5.0%.
May 2017 Newsmaker Breakfast: Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry
The State of Utah's Travel and Tourism Industry, 2017 Travel and Tourism Presentation (PowerPoint) Travel and Tourism Presentation (PDF) The May Newsmaker Breakfast focused on the travel and tourism industry of Utah. Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry generates jobs and income for Utah residents and produces tax revenue for the state. Domestic and international travelers and tourists are drawn to Utah’s natural, cultural and historical assets. Utah has 14 ski resorts, 10 of which are less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, as well as five national parks, eight national monuments, two national recreation[...]
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2017
Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry generates jobs and income for Utah residents and produces tax revenue for the state. Domestic and international travelers and tourists are drawn to Utah’s natural, cultural and historical assets. Utah has 14 ski resorts, 10 of which are less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, as well as five national parks, eight national monuments, two national recreation areas, one national historic site and 43 state parks.