The University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, housed in the David Eccles School of Business, is Utah’s premier economic and public policy research institute. We develop and share economic, demographic, public finance, and public policy research that sheds light and helps state leaders make informed decisions. We serve as a vital gathering place for policy leadership that benefits all Utahns.
Recent Research
Utah International Trade, 2024
Utah exported $18.2 billion of goods in 2024, contributing nearly $8.0 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, $15.9 billion to the state’s gross output (industry sales), and 70,171 jobs.
April 2025 Utah Consumer Sentiment
Utah’s consumer sentiment fell slightly in April (down 1.4%), from 81.1 in March to 80.0, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan measured a significantly steeper decline (8.4%) in sentiment among Americans as a whole.
Utah’s Energy Sector
Utah’s energy sector continues to evolve as the forces of supply, demand, and technological change influence production and competition.
The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry
Utah's travel and tourism industry remained resilient in 2024 as inflation and gas prices calmed and recession fears dissipated over the year.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Federal Public Education Funding in Utah
Utah’s FY 2026 state budget includes about $600 million in federal funds for public education, which makes up about 7% of the state’s total public education budget.
