Recent Research
Recently Published
The most recent research published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Great Salt Lake Data and Insights Summary: A Synthesized Resource Document for the 2024 General Legislative Session
In 2023, Great Salt Lake rose from the record-low elevation reached in 2022, aided by record-high winter snowfall and the adaptive management berm. Economic activity, public health, and the lake's ecosystems are adversely impacted by low water levels. This summary synthesizes essential data and insights so decision-makers have the information they need to improve water management, increase water deliveries to the lake, mitigate adverse impacts, and recover the lake to a healthy range.
December 2023 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment rose 8.4% in December (from 73.6 in November to 79.8), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found that sentiment rose 13.7% among Americans as a whole during the same time (from 61.3 to 69.7).
Utah Economic Council Forecast, December 2023
The Utah Economic Council, convened by the David Eccles School of Business and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, publishes regular economic forecasts related to the Utah and U.S. economies. This includes potential risks to both the state and national economies that the council assesses and weighs.
State and County Population Estimates for Utah: 2023
July 1, 2023 estimates produced by the Utah Population Committee indicate a total Utah population of 3,456,482, adding 55,989 residents to the state since July 1, 2022.
K-12 Teacher Shortages, Retention, and Salaries in Utah
While Utah’s teacher shortage, retention, and salary outcomes rank favorably among states, some data show potential warning signs.
Data Compendium Utah Strategic Energy Framework
H.B. 426, passed in the 2023 General Legislative Session, requires the development of a strategic plan to achieve the state’s energy policy of adequate, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and clean energy resources. The Utah Energy Strike Team prepared the Utah Strategic Energy Framework under the leadership and direction of the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) and the Utah Department of Natural Resource
Utah Strategic Energy Framework
H.B. 426, passed in the 2023 General Legislative Session, requires the development of a strategic plan to achieve the state’s energy policy of adequate, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and clean energy resources. The Utah Energy Strike Team prepared this Utah Strategic Energy Framework under the leadership and direction of the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) and the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
Utah Population Committee Postcensal Estimates Accuracy Analysis, 2010-2020
Compared with the count from the 2020 census, the Utah Population Committee (UPC) population estimate of 3,259,792 underestimated the state count by 11,824 people or .4%. When considering the individual methods used in UPC, the Housing Stock method was the most accurate, while the LDS method was the least at the state level. The performance of the UPC estimates compared to the 2020 census and the individual UPC methods varied by county.
Salt Lake City: Utah’s Thriving Urban Center
Salt Lake City is the foremost flourishing center for commerce, sports, entertainment, culture, and education in the Mountain West. Utah’s capital defies the trends of many urban centers as the forces of decentralization pull people, jobs, and commerce away from the urban core, resulting in urban decay. In the next decade, even as Utah’s capital city grapples with growth challenges, Salt Lake City will welcome thousands of new residents who will benefit from a new Temple Square, may secure a new professional sports franchise(s), will host a second Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and will grow entertainment, cultural offerings, and[...]