Government
Women in the Economy Focus Groups
The survey research team at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute partnered with the Utah Women in the Economy Commission and the YWCA to conduct focus groups with women around the state. The Commission was established in 2014 to “identify and recommend implementation of specific policies, procedures, and programs to respond to the rights, needs, and impact of women in the economy.”
The purpose of the focus groups was to discern women’s experiences in and out of the workforce; the motivations behind the choices women make, the barriers they face, and their desires and preferences regarding work and education in order to guide policy based on the findings. The focus groups included both working women and those not currently in the workforce, and targeted both rural and urban areas. Major findings include the desire for flexible and remote work (career decisions are dependent on perceived flexibility of career), the lack of affordable, available and adequate childcare, and the necessity of monetary and leave benefits. For details, see the report here.
Salt Lake County Employee Survey
The Gardner Policy Institute survey research team conducted a survey – informed by focus groups – of all Salt Lake County employees. Survey questions focused on better understanding the perceived strengths of the organization, as well as identifying areas of concern. Subsequently, the survey research team facilitated a “Circle of Ten Leadership Forum” that allowed for employees and leaders in the Salt Lake County Human Services Department to collaborate on issues uncovered by the survey.
JPEC Justice Court Judge Interviews
The Gardner Policy Institute survey team conducted in-depth interviews with justice court judges, conducted a literature review, and reviewed model state judicial performance evaluation programs to inform the judicial performance evaluation process for judges in Utah with the lowest caseload levels.
Legislative Policy Summit 2017 Focus Groups
Facilitated five groups of state legislators to discuss demographic, economic, and land use issues and trends by region.