As the federal government reinvents itself through significant policy changes and cost-cutting measures, the economic linkages between Utah and the federal government become more critical to understand. The Gardner Institute’s new data summaries on the Utah/federal government nexus help Utah decision-makers better understand these linkages. The first data summary in the series presents the Utah nexus for federal employment.
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Research
Salt Lake City, Utah 2,601 followers
Enhancing Utah's economy and national reputation by placing data-driven research in the hands of decision-makers.
About us
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah prepares economic, demographic and public policy research that helps Utah prosper. We are Utah’s demographic experts, leaders on the Utah economy, and specialists on public policy and survey research. Here are some examples of the services we provide: Economics—Our seasoned team of economists analyses economic impacts, prepares economic forecasts, examines tax and expenditure policies, and provides economic development advice. We are experts on the Utah economy and specialists in public policy related to regional economics, economic development, and public finance. Demographics—Our demographers make sense of Utah’s unique demographic characteristics and interpret how they affect policy choices. We prepare the state’s official population estimates and projections and serve as the lead entity for the Census Bureau in Utah. Survey research—Our public-purpose surveys, focus groups, and interviews help ensure the public’s voice is heard and provide valuable insight for decision makers. Community engagement—Our world class venue on Salt Lake City’s premier avenue (South Temple Street) serves as an embassy of thought, ideas, and innovation. We engage the community in informed discussions about critical issues impacting our community. Throughout our nation’s history, great American cities have turned to a trusted entity where information can be gathered, analyzed, and shared. This exchange of information provides the trusted data decision makers need to make informed decisions. At the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute we are an honest broker of INFORMED RESEARCH, that guides INFORMED DISCUSSIONS, and leads to INFORMED DECISIONS™.
- Website
-
http://gardner.utah.edu
External link for The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
- Industry
- Research
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Type
- Educational
- Founded
- 2014
- Specialties
- Research, Community Engagement, Data Development, Communication, Survey Research, Demographics, Politics, Political Research, Economics, Real Estate, Utah Politics, Utah Demographics, Public Policy, Policy Leadership, and Outreach
Locations
-
Primary
Get directions
411 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, US
Employees at The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
-
Kara Byrne
Senior Health and Human Services Analyst, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, University of Utah
-
Tim Mahedy
CEO & Chief Economist @ Access/Macro | We help companies build tailored strategies and solutions to maximize growth
-
Laura Summers
Director at Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah
-
Nate Lloyd
Director of Economic Research
Updates
-
Utah’s investment in higher education pays significant dividends, according to a new policy brief from the Gardner Institute. The brief highlights the state’s exceptionally well-trained workforce, robust economic performance, and strong social fabric, all directly linked to a long-standing educational commitment. This emphasis on higher education extends far beyond the economic impacts, contributing to social well-being, civic engagement, and innovation.
-
Utah’s consumer sentiment was unchanged at 91.3 in January, according to the Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. Chief economist Phil Dean noted, "This marks the second consecutive month of the highest level of consumer sentiment among Utah residents in over three years. Utahns appear to be weathering the moderating economy well, even in the face of uncertainty.”
-
The financial technology industry (fintech) continues to transform the traditional financial services sector and introduce innovative business models across the globe. A new report from the Gardner Institute shows that in 2023, Utah’s 67 fintech companies created nearly 8,000 jobs and produced more than $1 billion in total annual wages. Stena Center for Financial Technology
-
Low water levels at Great Salt Lake continue to threaten Utah’s economic, ecological, and human health. Today, the Great Salt Lake Strike Team – a collaboration of technical experts from Utah’s research universities and state agencies – released their 2025 data and insights summary. The Strike Team’s report includes reporting on lake elevation, reservoir storage, salinity, streamflow, human water use, water rights and change applications, and mineral extraction.
-
The Gardner Institute today presented the 37th Economic Report to the Governor to the governor’s office at the 2025 Economic Outlook & Public Policy Summit hosted by the Salt Lake Chamber. The report highlights the resilience of the U.S. economy in 2024 and forecasts slowing, but not stalling, economic activity for 2025.
-
Utah’s consumer sentiment increased again in December (3.6%, from 88.1 in November to 91.3 in December), according to the Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey conducted by the University of Michigan found a slightly smaller change (3.1% increase) in sentiment among Americans as a whole during the same time (from 71.8 to 74). This marks the highest level of consumer sentiment among Utah residents in over three years.