The Gardner Policy Institute provides data-driven, context-specific insights about Utah’s economy. We prepare in-depth studies on key Utah issues in partnership with stakeholders in the private sector and state and local government. The institute employs a diverse group of economists and analysts with specialties that include healthcare, energy and natural resources, tourism, and real estate and construction. Our research provides vital information decision makers and the public use to help Utah prosper.
Industry Studies
Data Book: Utah Demographic Characteristics
This data book presents selected characteristics by age, disability, race, ethnicity, sex, religion and geographic location. Together, these characteristics showcase a growing and changing state.
Utah Demographic Characteristics: Disability
National surveys estimate that between 12% and 25% of Utah adults have a disability. A new summary analysis from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute finds that data across different surveys show that Utahns with a disability are more likely to have less income, lower education attainment, higher housing cost burdens, lower access to health coverage, and poor health.
Utah Caregiving Perspectives: A Survey Exploring Utah Caregivers’ Employment, Challenges, and Support Needs
Many caregivers share experiences and needs, but differences arise based on factors like age, gender, employment status, caregiving hours, and living situation.
An Economic Summary of Salt Lake County’s Cultural Industry, 2022
Salt Lake County’s cultural industry, which includes the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $7.7 billion in output (direct spending) and supported an estimated 32,737 Salt Lake County jobs in 2022.
Research Brief: Utah’s Energy Sector in 2023 and Outlook for 2024
Utah is fortunate to have abundant and diverse energy resources, including large reserves of conventional fossil fuels as well as several areas suitable for renewable resource development. More recently, Utah has witnessed an evolution in its energy landscape.
Research Brief: Banking and Financial Services
The financial services industry includes businesses that engage in or facilitate financial transactions. Some of these firms raise funds by accepting deposits or issuing securities; others pool risk by underwriting insurance and others support financial intermediation.