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
Utah’s Health Care Coverage Landscape
Utah’s health care coverage landscape includes high rates of private health insurance enrollment, low rates of public health insurance program enrollment, and declining uninsured rates. That said, uninsured rates remain high for some populations and health care affordability and access are concerns for many Utahns
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry, February 2024 (Tri-Fold Brochure)
Visitors spent a record $11.98 billion in Utah’s economy in 2022, generating 151,800 total jobs and a record $2.12 billion in total state and local tax revenue.
The Role of Nonprofit Hospitals in Utah’s Health Care System
The majority of Utah hospitals are nonprofit organizations that provide charity care and medical discounts; community education, services, and research; donations of time and money; and essential health services throughout the state.
Utah Behavioral Health Assessment & Master Plan (Executive Summary)
A guide for private and public sectors, systems, and stakeholders striving to create more accessible, equitable, aligned, and effective mental health and substance use disorder systems in Utah.
Utah Behavioral Health Assessment & Master Plan
A guide for private and public sectors, systems, and stakeholders striving to create more accessible, equitable, aligned, and effective mental health and substance use disorder systems in Utah.
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.