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.
Salt Lake County’s Historic Apartment Boom: Past, Present, and Future
Salt Lake County’s housing shortage and high home prices have led to the “tightest” apartment market in the county’s history. In 2021, the vacancy rate dropped below 2%, and rental rates increased by double digits.
A Pathway for Improving Early Childhood Mental Health in Utah (The Children’s Center Utah)
Sound mental health provides an essential foundation of stability that supports all other aspects of human development—from the formation of friendships and the ability to cope with adversity to the achievement of success in school, work, and community life.
A Blueprint for Growing Salt Lake City’s Health Care Innovation Economy
Salt Lake City will be a premier health care innovation hub that provides expanded economic opportunity and improved health and well-being for all residents.
Industry Snapshot: An Economic Summary of Utah’s Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Industry, 2022
Utah's arts, culture, and entertainment industry (cultural industry) is comprised of a variety of industries, including jobs in the area of design, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, live events, museums, and traditional arts. In 2020, Utah’s cultural industry generated $9.1 billion in direct sales, which spurred an additional $8.7 billion in indirect and induced effects, for a total of $17.8 billion in total sales—or 9.0% of Utah’s 2020 GDP.
Renewable Natural Gas: A Sustainable Approach to the Energy Transition
Renewable natural gas offers a new and promising energy source that will help decarbonize a portion of Utah’s energy mix.
A Roadmap for Improving Utah’s Behavioral Health System 2021 End-of-Year Update
The Utah Hospital Association (UHA) released A Roadmap for Improving Utah’s Behavioral Health System in February 2020. The Roadmap was developed in collaboration with UHA’s behavioral health committee and mental health workgroup, comprising members of the mental health community. The purpose of the roadmap is to provide a guide policy makers, UHA, and other stakeholders can use to support legislation, policy decisions, and program development to help ensure every citizen in the state of Utah has access to appropriate behavioral health services and supports.
Curbing the Youth Vaping Pandemic: A Review of How Utah’s Laws and Policies Compare Nationally and to Other States
Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes, is a public health issue both nationally and here in the state of Utah. Rates of vaping doubled nationally between 2017 and 2019, and Utah has experienced a significant increase over the past several years as well.
Fact Sheet: Family Caregivers in Utah
A growing body of family caregivers in Utah provide unpaid care to family members or friends with health problems or disabilities. The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide key information about Utah's caregivers, their challenges, and the economic value they provide.
Preparing for the Future: The Potential Long-Term Impacts of COVID-19 on Utah’s Child and Youth Mental Health
Understanding the potential impact of these issues will be important to ensuring a thriving future for Utah’s children.
Utah’s Defense Economy: Economic Impacts and Industry Trends
Utah's defense industry is an integral component of the state's diverse economy, contributing over $19 billion in economic activity.