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.
Insight: The Geography of Manufacturing in Utah
By: Max Backlund Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. […]
Insight: Utah’s Seasonal Employee Housing Conundrum
By: Jennifer Leaver Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. Sep 8, 2021 – Across the West, resort and recreation towns are no strangers to employee housing availability and affordability problems—but are these problems worsening? […]
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.
September 2021 Utah Consumer Confidence
The Gardner Institute measured a modest gain in Utah’s consumer sentiment during September, following two months of sharp declines. The University of Michigan found an increase of similar magnitude among Americans as a whole.
The Connection between COVID-19 and Type 2 Diabetes: Underscoring the Need for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Research increasingly shows that individuals with type 2 diabetes face a greater chance of experiencing severe complications from COVID-19.
Fact Sheet: Growth Trends in Utah’s Life Sciences Industry
Utah’s mature life sciences industry continues to experience strong growth relative to nationwide trends, even during recessions. Newly released data show that employment trends the Gardner Institute first identified through 2017 persisted into the pandemic. The number of life sciences jobs in Utah jumped 7.2% in 2020. This is the second highest single-year growth among states with large-scale life sciences activity. As for five-year trends, industry employment gains in Utah tempered slightly from 5.0% per year from 2012 to 2017 to 4.8% per year from 2015 to 2020.
Insight: Public-Private Partnerships for Public Purpose
By: Meredith King Note: The opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not reflect an institutional position of the Gardner Institute. We hope the opinions shared contribute to the marketplace of ideas and help people as they formulate their own INFORMED DECISIONS™. […]
August 2021 Utah Consumer Confidence
The Gardner Institute survey of consumer sentiment measured a substantial decline in sentiment among Utahns between July and August of 2021. An even larger decline was reported by the University of Michigan based on their survey of Americans as a whole.
July 2021 Utah Consumer Confidence
The Gardner Institute survey of consumer sentiment finds sentiment among Utahns fell between June and July of 2021. The University of Michigan reports comparable declines among Americans as a whole.