Recent Research
Click on the links below to view the most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.
Fact Sheet: U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Age, Sex, Race and Hispanic Origin, 2017
Each year, the Census Bureau produces population estimates at varying levels of geography. The release of the age, sex, race and Hispanic origin at the nation, state, and county level completes the 2017 vintage estimate package. Prior pieces of this release include national, state, county, metropolitan/micropolitan, and incorporated place (cities and towns) estimates for the 2017 vintage. All releases include annual estimates from Census 2010 to July 1, 2017.
Ivory-Boyer First Quarter Report 2018
The value of all permit authorized construction in Utah during the first quarter of 2018 was $2 billion. This is a 7.5 percent increase from first quarter 2017. This rise was led by an increase in residential construction which represented 64 percent of total construction value this quarter. Overall, construction values rose after two consecutive quarterly declines in 2017.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, 2018
Utah’s diverse travel and tourism industry generates jobs and income for Utah residents and produces tax revenue for state and local governments. Domestic and international visitors 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, 11 national monuments, two national recreation areas, one national historic site, and 43 state parks. Throughout the year, Utah hosts several arts events, such as the Moab Music Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Tuacahn Theater Series, Utah Arts Festival, Utah Festival [...]
CEOutlook Surveys
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has partnered with the Salt Lake Chamber to create CEOutlook, an economic confidence index informed by Utah’s leading business executives. The index is created by surveying these executives every quarter to “gauge the economic pulse of Utah’s business community.” The survey research team assists the chamber in this endeavor with survey design and management, methodology, and data management.
May 2018 Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2017, contributing a total of 43,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.1% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. In 2017, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 5.4%.
Fact Sheet: U.S. Census Bureau Estimates for Incorporated Places and Housing Units, 2017
Each year, the Census Bureau produces population estimates at varying levels of geography. They have already released national, state, county, and metropolitan/micropolitan estimates for the 2017 vintage. This most recent release included annual population estimates for both incorporated places (cities and towns) as well as housing unit estimates at the state and county level from Census 2010 to July 1, 2017. Townships or other unincorporated communities are not included in this release.
Gardner Business Review: What Rapidly Rising Prices Mean for Housing Affordability
Since 2010, Utah has led the country in employment and demographic growth. This growth has produced exceptionally strong demand for housing, which in turn has put upward pressure on housing prices.
Informed Decisions Seminar on Housing Affordability
Gardner Business Review: What Rapidly Rising Prices Mean for Housing Affordability PowerPoint: Housing Affordability The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute has released a landmark report on the rapid appreciation of housing prices in Utah and the threat to affordability. Researchers found that Utah’s rapid employment and demographic growth has produced exceptionally strong demand for housing, which in turn has put upward pressure on housing prices. A housing shortage has ensued, with the supply of new homes and existing “for sale” homes falling short of demand. The research links on this page includes the full Gardner Business Review that details the rise [...]
April 2018 Economic Summary
The Utah economy remains healthy. Every major industrial sector expanded in 2017, contributing a total of 43,500 new jobs over the year. An annual employment growth rate of 3.1% is on par with the state’s long-term average and is among the strongest in the nation. In 2017, Utah’s construction sector posted the highest job growth with 5.4%.
