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Utah Economy

The Kem C. Gardner Policy 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.

905, 2022

Economic Challenges and Opportunities in Utah’s Coal Country

May 9th, 2022|

The Gardner Institute’s 40-year population and employment planning projections illustrate how scheduled power plant closures and declining coal production is likely to affect the region. This report can help to plan for the coming decades as economic circumstances change for Carbon and Emery counties.

105, 2022

May 2022 Utah Consumer Sentiment

May 1st, 2022|

Utah’s consumer sentiment fell in May, according to the Kem C. Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumers. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found a larger decline in sentiment during May among Americans as a whole.

104, 2022

April 2022 Utah Consumer Sentiment

April 1st, 2022|

Utah’s consumer sentiment rose in April, according to the Kem C. Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumers. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found an increase in sentiment among Americans as a whole.

2303, 2022

Insight: Are Utah’s Wages Pacing with High Inflation?

March 23rd, 2022|

By Natalie Roney and Phil Dean Mar 23, 2022 – The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions continue to reverberate throughout the Utah and U.S. economies. In particular, labor shortages and high inflation remain top of mind for many Utahns as a return to “normal” economic conditions remains elusive. This post explores aspects of real (inflation-adjusted) wage indicators. […]

1703, 2022

Insight: Panic at the Pump

March 17th, 2022|

By: Thomas Holst Mar 17, 2022 – Current motor gasoline prices have shocked Utah motorists. Utah motor gasoline prices jumped $1 per gallon to $4.35. The increase came after the United States and European countries banned Russian energy imports in response to the Ukraine invasion.  […]

1503, 2022

Ivory-Boyer Construction Report Fourth Quarter 2021

March 15th, 2022|

The continued record breaking pace of permitted construction activity reached new milestones in 2021. The rebound in commercial activity in 2021 put the year total on the second highest in terms of construction value. The residential market also reached into new territory.