Industry Studies
The Gardner Institute conducts economic impact studies to understand the effect of a firm, group of firms, or an entire industry on Utah’s economy. We estimate direct economic effects using employment, wages, and other data. We model indirect, induced, and dynamic economic impacts using statistical analysis and simulation software. The Gardner Institute also performs fiscal impact analyses to help policymakers and others understand the effect of a firm or an entire industry on state and local government finances.
Health Insight: Medical Inflation – Where Are We Now?
Given concerns about overall economic inflation, it may be surprising to learn that medical inflation is slowing and is currently approaching some of the lowest levels in history. A look at medical inflation over the last 20 years highlights this slowed growth (Figure 2). Except for a significant increase from 2019-2020 (4.7%), medical inflation growth continued to slow over the past three years.
Public Health Practice: Effective Technical Assistance Modalities to Support Chronic Disease Prevention Programming
Stakeholders pursuing Medicaid coverage of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program must engage in intensive and intentional activity. Effective technical assistance (TA) can support stakeholders in reaching the activity level necessary to gain coverage and successfully deliver the program to Medicaid beneficiaries.
Economic Impacts of Utah’s Life Sciences and Health Care Innovation Industry
Utah’s life sciences and health care innovation industry creates substantial economic impacts across the state.
Insight: Nuclear in Utah’s Energy Mix
By: Thomas Holst Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the views shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. […]
Relational Health: The Connection Between Adult and Childhood Mental Health
Childhood mental health is influenced by several factors, including genetic predisposition, parental or caregiver mental health, and exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as violence in the home or community, emotional abuse or neglect, and economic hardship. Although the relationship between these factors is complex, Utah’s higher-than-average ACE scores and adult mental health needs indicate areas of potential influence to support childhood mental health in the state.
Insight: Concerns About Affordability Continue to Frame Utah’s Changing Health Care Coverage Landscape
By: Melanie Beagley The last decade saw significant changes to the health care coverage landscape in Utah and across the U.S. The passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ushered in efforts to expand health care coverage to population groups historically uninsured or underinsured, including households living near or below the federal poverty level and young adults. It also supported certain employers in providing health care coverage to their employees[i],[ii] and prohibited health plans from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions.[iii] […]
State of the State’s Housing Market, 2022-2024
The pandemic years created unmatched volatility in Utah’s housing market. The volatility in these past two years surpassed 50 years of housing history. Building permits for residential units increased by 26% in 2021, only to fall by 26% in 2022. These COVID-19 pandemic years now join the Great Recession as one of those unique moments in Utah's housing market. The Great Recession produced 16 consecutive quarters of declining housing prices, while the pandemic produced the shortest and steepest homebuilding expansion and contraction on record.
Medicaid: What is FMAP and Why Does It Matter?
The Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) is the share of Medicaid costs funded by the federal government.
Insight: Uinta Waxy Crude Oil Flows Out of State, Spurring Possible Economic Growth in State
By: Thomas Holst Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. […]
2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Utah: Demographic, Social, and Environmental Factors
Utah’s demographic, social, and environmental factors favorably position the state to host another successful Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.