Utah Economy
The Gardner Institute provides analysis and data-driven, context-specific insights about the Utah economy. We prepare in-depth studies on key Utah issues in partnership with stakeholders in the private sector and in state and local government. Our research provides vital information that decision-makers and the public use to help Utah prosper.
June 2023 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment rose in June to its highest level in more than a year (76.3), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found an increase of similar magnitude among Americans as a whole (64.4).
May 2023 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment was essentially unchanged in May (71.0) compared to April (70.5), according to the Kem C. Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found sentiment fell from April (63.5) to May (59.2) among Americans as a whole
April 2023 Newsmaker Breakfast: 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Utah
Utah’s demographic, social, and environmental factors favorably position the state to host another successful Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, according to a report released today by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. This new study supplements a previously released report that found hosting another Winter Games would make a significant economic impact to the state, generating jobs, income, and economic output.
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.
A Comparison of State-Funded Affordable Housing Programs
Utah policymakers have significantly expanded affordable housing programs in response to the housing crisis. As this effort continues, a comparison of state housing programs provides valuable policy insight.
A Visual Guide to Tax Modernization: Individual Income Tax in Utah
Utahns share a common interest in a state and local tax system that provides for our needs, keeps the economy strong, and remains viable over the long term. This visual guide, which is the fourth in a series, illustrates key components of Utah’s income tax – the fastest growing and most volatile major tax.
An Economic Summary of Salt Lake County’s Cultural Industry, 2023
In 2021, Salt Lake County’s cultural industry, including the design, education, entertainment, fashion, film, humanities, and traditional arts sectors, generated $6.2 billion in output (direct spending).
Storytelling through Data: Utah’s Rental Market Presentation
Utah’s renters, like much of the renters across the country, faced dramatic increases in housing costs throughout the pandemic. For the renters across the four Wasatch Front counties, average asking rents increased more in the two-year period between 2020 and 2022 then they increased between 2010 and 2020.
Utah’s Rental Market
Utah’s renters, like much of the renters across the country faced dramatic increases in housing costs throughout the pandemic. For the renters across the four Wasatch Front counties, average asking rents increased more in the two-year period between 2020 and 2022 then they increased between 2010 and 2020. At an annualized rate, between 2010 and 2020, asking rents increased 2.6% in Salt Lake County, between 2020 and 2022 the rate of change was 11.0%
