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.
2024 ERG Figures
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute presented the 36th Economic Report to the Governor to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox at the 2024 Economic Outlook & Public Policy Summit, hosted by the Salt Lake Chamber. The report highlights the resilience of the U.S. economy in 2023 and projects continued, albeit slowed, economic growth in 2024.
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.
Great Salt Lake Data and Insights Summary: A Synthesized Resource Document for the 2024 General Legislative Session
In 2023, Great Salt Lake rose from the record-low elevation reached in 2022, aided by record-high winter snowfall and the adaptive management berm. Economic activity, public health, and the lake's ecosystems are adversely impacted by low water levels. This summary synthesizes essential data and insights so decision-makers have the information they need to improve water management, increase water deliveries to the lake, mitigate adverse impacts, and recover the lake to a healthy range.
December 2023 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment rose 8.4% in December (from 73.6 in November to 79.8), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found that sentiment rose 13.7% among Americans as a whole during the same time (from 61.3 to 69.7).
Health Insight: Medical Inflation – Where Are We Now?
Given concerns about overall economic inflation, it may be surprising to learn that medical inflation is slowing and is currently approaching some of the lowest levels in history.
Utah Economic Council Forecast, December 2023
The Utah Economic Council, convened by the David Eccles School of Business and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, publishes regular economic forecasts related to the Utah and U.S. economies. This includes potential risks to both the state and national economies that the council assesses and weighs.
K-12 Teacher Shortages, Retention, and Salaries in Utah
While Utah’s teacher shortage, retention, and salary outcomes rank favorably among states, some data show potential warning signs.
Data Compendium Utah Strategic Energy Framework
H.B. 426, passed in the 2023 General Legislative Session, requires the development of a strategic plan to achieve the state’s energy policy of adequate, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and clean energy resources. The Utah Energy Strike Team prepared the Utah Strategic Energy Framework under the leadership and direction of the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) and the Utah Department of Natural Resource
Utah Strategic Energy Framework
H.B. 426, passed in the 2023 General Legislative Session, requires the development of a strategic plan to achieve the state’s energy policy of adequate, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and clean energy resources. The Utah Energy Strike Team prepared this Utah Strategic Energy Framework under the leadership and direction of the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) and the Utah Department of Natural Resources.