Informed Discussions Podcast

July 2024 Newsmaker Breakfast: Estimated Economic Impacts of the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Utah

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

On July 10, the Gardner Institute hosted its monthly Newsmaker Breakfast, which focused on the estimated economic impacts of the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Utah. We are joined today by Salt Lake City-Utah Committee and Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation members who discussed the results of a new Institute report on the topic and what the data mean ahead of the 2034 Games.

On July 24, the International Olympic Committee will vote on the 2034 Winter Olympic Games host city. Both the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games are confident Salt Lake City, Utah, will be chosen to host the games for a second time. Ahead of the vote, the Gardner Institute has worked with the organizing committee to determine the potential economic and fiscal impacts of hosting the event, which includes direct expenditures and additional economic activity, jobs, and revenue generated in the state.

Our panelists were Catherine Raney Norman, Chair of Salt Lake City-Utah Olympic Committee and four-time Olympic speed skater; Brett Hopkins, COO/CFO of the Salt Lake City-Utah Olympic Committee; Colin Hilton, President and CEO of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation; and John Downen, Senior Research Fellow at the Gardner Institute.

Gardner Institute director Natalie Gochnour moderated the discussion.

June 2024 "Storytelling through Data" Event: Utah’s Middle Class

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400

On June 26, the Gardner Institute hosted its quarterly “Storytelling through Data” event, co-sponsored by the Salt Lake Tribune. These events feature conversations focused on data-grounded, solutions-oriented dialogue critical to life quality in Utah. Our topic was Utah’s middle class, and we were joined by researchers and state experts who shared their insights on how best to support Utahns’ future prosperity.

Utah’s middle class represents a larger share of households than the national average. The Beehive State also possesses greater income equality, social capital, and upward mobility than other states. Despite these favorable hallmarks, challenges remain on how to support and grow the middle class in Utah. Wages, for example, vary greatly by education level, which is markedly impacted by socioeconomic status. Social determinants of health also greatly impact the life expectancy and upward mobility of Utahns.

For the conversation, we were joined by Christine Richman, Principal at GSBS Consulting; Bill Crim, President and CEO of United Way of Salt Lake; and Levi Pace, Senior Research Economist at the Gardner Institute. The panelists shared their thoughts on potential policy prescriptions to help support a strong middle class in Utah and to help build a civil society that benefits all Utahns. The Gardner Institute also released a fact sheet summarizing economic data trends related to Utah’s middle class, which you can view by visiting our website at gardner.utah.edu.

Salt Lake Tribune Executive Editor Lauren Gustus moderated the conversation.

June 2024 Newsmaker Breakfast: Homelessness in Utah and Project Human Dignity

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

On June 12, the Gardner Institute hosted its monthly Newsmaker Breakfast, which focused on homelessness in Utah. We were joined by state leaders to discuss the state's next steps for homeless services. The discussion included potential new policies, investments, and outreach efforts necessary to make substantial progress in restoring dignity and improving lives. The Utah Impact Partnership co-sponsored the event.

Utah’s challenge with chronic homelessness reached critical levels last year, with a 96% increase from 2019 to 2023, including a sharp 27% rise just last year. To combat this, state leaders – including state government, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, the philanthropic community, and service providers – aligned to implement structural changes that incentivize and enhance services across the care continuum. We were joined by Wayne Niederhauser, Co-Chair of the Utah Homeless Services Board, Carol Hollowell, Executive Director of the Switchpoint Community Resource Center, and Utah State Sen. Kirk Cullimore.

Gardner Institute Director Natalie Gochnour moderated the conversation.

April 2024 Newsmaker Breakfast: The Future of Utah's Economy

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Utah’s resilient economy continues to outperform the nation. Record-low unemployment, top-ranked labor force participation, and competitive living costs mark our elite standing among states. This success took intention and understanding from policymakers and business leaders alike. As we look to the future, decision-makers are asking the necessary questions to help maintain life quality in our state: How do we support, enhance, and expand the distinctive features Utahns value? How can we retain our elite economy with rising costs? What features define the “New Utah,” and how can decision-makers best understand them?

For our April 2024 Newsmaker Breakfast, the Gardner Institute was joined by business and community leaders to discuss current efforts to create a strategy for sustained prosperity in Utah. The event was co-sponsored by the Salt Lake Chamber.

Gardner Institute Director Natalie Gochnour moderated the discussion.

Panelists

Derek Miller, President & CEO, Salt Lake Chamber

Rep. Carl R. Albrecht, Utah House of Representatives

Phil Dean, Chief Economist, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute

Storytelling through Data: "Got you Covered? A Health Conversation with MacArthur Genius Grant Winner Amy Finkelstein"

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

On February 26, the Institute hosted its quarterly “Storytelling through Data” event, co-sponsored by the Salt Lake Tribune. The topic was Utah’s health care coverage landscape. We were joined by MIT professor and MacArthur Genius Grant winner Amy Finkelstein for a lively discussion on health care reform, coverage, and potential future policy solutions.

There are high rates of private health insurance enrollment, low rates of public health insurance program enrollment, and declining uninsured rates in Utah. That said, uninsured rates remain high for some populations, and health care affordability and access are concerns for many Utahns, if not the top concern.

We were joined at the event by an expert panel that discussed the U.S. health insurance system and proposals for change in the context of Utah’s health data, markets, and outcomes.

We were honored to host Professor Amy Finkelstein. Amy is the John and Jennie S. MacDonald Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is also the Co-Scientific Director of J-PAL North America, a research center at MIT designed to encourage and facilitate randomized evaluations of important domestic policy issues. Other roles include Co-Director of the Public Economics Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research, a member of the Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a Fellow of the Econometric Society. She has received numerous acknowledgments for her work, including the John Bates Clark Medal from the American Economic Association and the MacArthur Fellowship. Her latest book, “We’ve Got You Covered: Rebooting American Health Care”, gives a lively and provocative proposal for health insurance reform.

Amy was joined on stage by David Eccles School of Business Professor Allison Witman and Gardner Institute director of industry research Laura Summers. The panel was moderated by Salt Lake Tribune Executive Editor Lauren Gustus.

Utah Behavioral Health Master Plan

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Under the direction of the Utah Hospital Association and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, the Utah Behavioral Health Coalition convened to develop a comprehensive and coordinated approach to improving people’s behavioral health.

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, in partnership with Leavitt Partners, a Health Management Associates company, assisted the Utah Behavioral Health Coalition in assessing needs, gaps, and challenges in Utah’s behavioral health systems. This assessment informed the development of the Behavioral Health Master Plan.

Gardner Institute Director of Industry Research Laura Summers joins the program to discuss the plan in greater detail.

February 2024 Newsmaker Breakfast: The Value of Higher Education

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Economic data make abundantly clear that post-secondary education improves lives and supports civil society. Higher educational attainment correlates strongly with increased employment, earnings, and upward mobility, all while supporting civil society through increased voter participation, volunteerism, and more.

On February 14, Utah’s university leadership explored the vital importance of Utah’s public system of higher education to the state economy. We were joined by the University of Utah President Taylor Randall, Utah State President Elizabeth Cantwell, Weber State University President Brad Mortensen, and Davis Technical College President Darin Brush.

The Gardner Institute also released a technical brief on education's contributions to Utah’s economic dynamism.

Gardner Institute Director Natalie Gochnour moderated the conversation.

Panelists:

University of Utah President Taylor Randall

Utah State University President Elizabeth Cantwell

Davis Technical College President Darin Brush

Weber State University President Brad Mortensen

January 2024 Newsmaker Breakfast: Great Salt Lake Strike Team Update

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Utah ended the 2023 water year in September with higher-than-average accumulated precipitation. As a result, Great Salt Lake rose five and a half feet at the south arm of the lake after hitting a record low in Fall 2022. Critical issues remain, however, and policymakers continue to address how best to protect and preserve Great Salt Lake and its ecosystem.

For our January 2024 Newsmaker Breakfast, the Gardner Institute was joined by decision-makers and policy experts who gave an update on Great Salt Lake, presented new policy sketches, discussed the impact of the 2023 water year, and outlined the next steps for Utah leaders to consider.

The latest summary publication 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.

We were joined by an all-star panel of thought leaders and members of the Great Salt Lake Strike Team: Brian Steed, Executive Director, Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water & Air; David Tarboton, Director, Utah Water Research Laboratory; Candice Hasenyager, Director, Utah Division of Water Resources; Paul Brooks, Professor, University of Utah; and William Anderregg, Director of the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy at the University of Utah.

The conversation was moderated by Gardner Institute director Natalie Gochnour.

Storytelling through Data: “Downtown Salt Lake City: The Next Chapter"

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:00:00 -0500

Downtown Salt Lake City is the foremost center for sports, entertainment, culture, and education in the Mountain West. Demographic and economic data show the city’s population is growing, with new construction taking the urban center’s skyline to new heights. In the next few years, Utah’s capital faces an inspiring opportunity to potentially welcome thousands of new residents, a professional sports franchise, a second Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and related entertainment and cultural offerings.

These opportunities do not come without challenges. Social, economic, and environmental issues remain that must be addressed if downtown Salt Lake City is to continue to buck the trend of urban decline and instead serve as an example of what is possible for city centers across the nation.

On Nov. 30, as part of the “Storytelling through Data” series presented quarterly in partnership with the Salt Lake Tribune, the Gardner Institute was joined by city leaders and decision-makers for an in-depth discussion on the positive economic and demographic indicators that are driving Utah’s capital city’s success, as well as the challenges to be addressed by our leaders as the next chapter for downtown Salt Lake City begins.

We were honored to welcome Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Downtown Alliance Executive Director Dee Brewer, and Tribune News Reporter Tony Semerad to the panel.

The conversation was moderated by Gardner Institute director Natalie Gochnour.

"The Role of Education in Utah's Economy"

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0500

The Gardner Institute employs a senior education analyst and a team of demographers and economists knowledgeable about Utah’s education policies and economy. We also benefit from a newly formed Education Advisory Council that guides our research agenda and supports the development of an education policy practice area. Our focus includes K-12 and higher education research, analysis, and reporting on education policies, Utah demographics, public finance, and the economy.

On this episode, Gardner Institute Senior Education Analyst Andrea Brandley walks through the latest data on education's role in the state's economy, Utah's K-12 teacher workforce, and more!

The Economics of Marriage

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 13:00:00 -0500

In the United States, more women are deciding to have children and remain single today than ever before. Almost half of all babies born in the U.S. were born to unmarried women in 2019, a dramatic increase since 1960, when only 5% of births were to unmarried mothers. This trend is not a direct result of divorce; today's unpartnered mothers are more likely never to be married.

But what does this trend mean for our future from an economic standpoint?

In a new book, "The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind," Dr. Melissa Kearney makes a provocative, data-driven case for marriage by arguing that the institution's decline has led to many economic issues. Eschewing the religious and values-based arguments that have long dominated this conversation, Kearney argues the most significant impacts of marriage are, in fact, economic: when two adults of any gender marry, their financial and household lives improve, offering a host of benefits not only for the married adults but for their children as well. Her research focuses on single mothers, given their outsize number compared to single fathers.

On November 8, the Gardner Institute hosted Dr. Kearney at our monthly newsmaker breakfast for an in-depth discussion about her view on the underlying causes of marriage decline in the U.S. and how decision-makers can draw lessons from the data to help the country's future prosperity. The conversation was moderated by Adam Looney, director of the University of Utah's Marriner S. Eccles Institute for Economics and Quantitative Analysis.

About the Author

Melissa S. Kearney is the Neil Moskowitz Professor of Economics at the University of Maryland. She is also the Director of the Aspen Economic Strategy Group, a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), and a non-resident Senior Fellow at Brookings.

Kearney's academic research focuses on domestic policy issues, especially issues related to social policy, poverty, and inequality. Her work has been published in leading academic journals and is frequently cited in the popular press. She has testified before Congress on the topic of U.S. income inequality.

About the Moderator

Adam Looney is a professor in the Department of Finance and Executive Director of the Marriner S. Eccles Institute for Economics and Quantitative Analysis. Previously, he was the Joseph A. Pechman senior fellow in Economic Studies at Brookings and the Director of the Center on Regulation and Markets. While at Brookings, he has been called to testify in Congress by members of both parties on tax and student loan policy, and his research has influenced the development of federal tax policies and education reforms.

Mr. Looney returned to Brookings in 2017 after three years of service in the U.S. Treasury Department as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tax Analysis. At Treasury, he advised the Secretary on economic issues related to tax policy, analyzed current and proposed legislation, and provided the official receipts forecasts and revenue estimates for the Administration’s budgets.

Growth in Utah: What's the Plan?

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0400

Over the past decade, Utah was the fastest-growing state in the nation, and that growth continues – Utah is projected to reach five million people by 2050. Envision Utah’s recent Values Study highlighted that for the first time in 20 years, more Utahns feel pessimistic about the impacts of growth rather than positive. Utah is growing because it is a great place to live, but our future life quality depends on our choices today.

A statewide conversation called Guiding our Growth was launched this year to engage Utahns in exploring how to keep Utah a great place for our families and communities as we grow. Results of this conversation will be shared.

The second key element to addressing our growth challenges is planning to effectively accommodate growth. Along the Wasatch Front, the newly refreshed Wasatch Choice Vision outlines a plan for coordinating transportation investments, development patterns, and economic opportunities. It serves as a blueprint for growth over the next 30 years.

We were joined for our October 2023 Newsmaker Breakfast by the decision-maker dream team to discuss growth in Utah and shared efforts to maintain life quality in Utah for generations to come.

The conversation was moderated by Gardner Institute Director Natalie Gochnour.

Panelists:

Laura Hanson, State Planning Coordinator, Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget

Ari Bruening, Chief Executive Officer, Envision Utah

Andrew Gruber, Executive Director, Wasatch Front Regional Council

Utah’s Aging Population

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:00:00 -0400

One of the major headlines from the 2020 Census is the significant aging of the population in the United States. This data reveals that the U.S. population 65 and older grew faster between 2010 and 2020 than in any decade since 1890. This same data shows a spike in the growth of the older population in Utah, too. While the 65 and older population nationwide grew an impressive 39% last decade, Utah’s 65 and older population grew 53% between 2010 and 2020. During the same period, Utah’s overall population grew 18% (making Utah the fastest-growing state in the nation).

Gardner Institute Public Policy Analyst Heidi Prior and Director of Demographic Research Mallory Bateman join the podcast to discuss the release. Heidi recently authored a fact sheet that breaks down the latest data, both in a state and national context.

The State of Utah's Housing Market, 2022-2024

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:00:00 -0400

The COVID-19 pandemic years created unmatched volatility in Utah's housing market. Building permits for residential units increased by 26% in 2021, only to fall by 26% in 2022. The pandemic joins the Great Recession as one of those unique moments in Utah's housing market. The recession produced 16 consecutive quarters of declining housing prices, while the pandemic produced the shortest and steepest homebuilding expansion and contraction on record.

The Gardner Institute's latest report, "State of the State's Housing Market", provides a detailed analysis of current housing market conditions in Utah. The report provides information on five key areas: residential construction activity, existing homes sales, the housing shortage, prices and affordability, and a 2023 and 2024 forecast.

On September 13, researchers joined leading industry experts at the Institute’s monthly Newsmaker Breakfast for an in-depth discussion on the report and what the data mean for the future of Utah's housing market. The conversation was moderated by Gardner Institute Senior Research Fellow and Scholar Dejan Eskic.

Darlene Carter
Chief Executive Officer
C.W. Group

Kristen Matthews
Vice President
John Burns Real Estate Consulting

Jim Wood
Ivory-Boyer Senior Fellow
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute

Dejan Eskic
Senior Research Fellow and Scholar
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute

August 2023 Newsmaker Breakfast: A Conversation with University of Utah Impact Scholar Dr. Eboo Patel

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0400

On August 31, the Gardner Institute hosted a special Newsmaker Breakfast on the role and importance of a diverse democracy and civil society in American life. We were joined by newly named University of Utah Impact Scholar Dr. Eboo Patel, who joins the U for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years Eboo is the Founder and President of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization in the United States. Beginning this fall, Eboo and his Interfaith America team will work closely with University of Utah Vice President Mary Ann Villarreal and the Division of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) to engage in a range of interfaith consulting activities across the U campus and state. Over the course of this partnership, Eboo and the EDI Division will identify and explore opportunities for advancing interfaith cooperation in ways that enrich the U and our entire community.

Eboo was joined for the conversation by Lt. Gov Deidre Henderson and Dr. Villarreal, which took a wide lens look and then focused on what it takes to create more unity in our country and state. The panelists discussed our nation’s standing as the most religiously diverse nation in human history and why that’s important. They also talked about our own state, how we can do even better in creating opportunities for all, and how to build bridges, tear down walls, and unify as a people. The discussion was moderated by Gardner Institute director Natalie Gochnour.

Panelists

Dr. Eboo Patel, Founder and President, Interfaith America

Utah Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson

Dr. Mary Ann Villarreal, Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, University of Utah

"Utah's Travel and Tourism Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges"

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Utah’s tourism economy has experienced a strong recovery since the pandemic more than three years ago. Visitor spending, jobs, and tax revenue have all surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Utah’s ski industry reported another record year, while the state’s “Mighty 5” national parks and state parks continue to attract visitors from across the nation and around the world.

The success of the tourism economy, like the overall success of the state, creates an imperative for tourism leaders to think more strategically than ever. Success is measured not only by annual return on investment, but by industry initiatives supporting a perpetual visitor economy, such as expanding outdoor recreation and transportation infrastructure; also maintaining the quality of the experience for visitors and residents alike.

This month, we were joined at our monthly Newsmaker Breakfast by Vicki Varela, Managing Director, Utah Office of Tourism; Kaitlin Eskelson, President & CEO, Visit Salt Lake; Natalie Randall, Executive Director, Utah Tourism Industry Association; and Jennifer Leaver, Senior Tourism Analyst, at the Gardner Institute to discuss the opportunities and challenges of Utah’s travel and tourism industry and present an outlook for this critical sector of Utah’s economic success.

The conversation was moderated by Gardner Institute Director Natalie Gochnour.

Storytelling through Data: “Utah’s Post-Pandemic Learning Loss"

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:00:00 -0400

As Utah moves forward after the COVID-19 pandemic, students across the state have returned to the classroom after an extended period of school closures and remote learning. These disruptions have led to significant learning gaps across various age groups, testing subjects, and racial and ethnic backgrounds. According to recent analysis by the Gardner Institute, 35 Utah school districts declined in learning proficiency rates from 2019 to 2022. Five districts improved. One was unchanged.

Hear from state officials and local experts for a discussion and deep dive into the data on Utah’s post-pandemic learning gap, and what that data reveal about potential policy solutions. The conversation was moderated by Salt Lake Tribune Editor Lauren Gustus.

Panelists

John Arthur, 2021 Utah School Teacher of the Year
Rep. Susan Pulsipher, Utah State House of Representatives
Sara Reale Utah State Board of Education, District 5

"Informed Decision Maker of the Year Award" Honoree: Erin Litvack

Tue, 23 May 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Each year, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recognizes individuals and entities that work, often behind the scenes and with little fanfare, to help our community prosper. We call them “Informed Decision Makers” and select them based on criteria consistent with the Institute’s committable core values: Responsibility to the community; Research integrity and relevance; accountability; collaboration; and positivity and passion.

Today we hear from 2023 honoree Erin Litvack. Erin has served the people of Salt Lake County for more than 15 years, first as the Director of Community Services before being promoted to Deputy Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer in 2017. In addition, she serves her community through numerous organizations and initiatives, including the boards of the Unified Police Department, Visit Salt Lake, Downtown Alliance, Shelter the Homeless, and the Housing Authority of Salt Lake County. Erin has a sterling reputation as a hard-working, empathetic, and a dedicated public servant.

U.S. and Utah Debt Policy

Tue, 23 May 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Utah's bonded indebtedness. which incurs debt solely for capital expenses, stands in sharp contrast to that of the United States. Federal government debt as a percent of the U.S. economy, currently at over 120% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has raised serious concerns about future economic stability. The debate over federal debt policy and borrowing has recently been exacerbated by a looming deadline to raise the national debt ceiling to avoid default.

Gardner Institute Chief Economist Phil Dean and Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Mike Christensen were joined at the May 2023 Newsmaker Breakfast by former Utah State Treasurer David Damschen and Utah Governor's Office of Planning and Budget Chief Economist Dr. Robbi Foxxe to discuss the history of Utah and U.S. debt policy, how and why Utah's borrowing practices contrast with the federal government, and how the future of debt may impact economic well-being.

"Informed Decision Maker of the Year Award" Honoree: Switchpoint Community Resource Center

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Each year, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recognizes individuals and entities that work, often behind the scenes and with little fanfare, to help our community prosper. We call them “Informed Decision Makers” and select them based on criteria consistent with the Institute’s committable core values.

On today's episode, we honor our fourth recipient: Switchpoint Community Resource Center. Founded in 2014, Switchpoint provides temporary shelter and support for people experiencing homelessness in Washington County. Their guiding vision states that every individual embodies their worth and value with self-esteem, hope, and abilities restored. As a result of their efforts, more than 9,200 people have been sheltered or received services. In addition to their housing services, Switchpoint provides access to job-training programs, food pantries, daycare for pets, 24/7 childcare facilities, and community soup kitchens that provide free hot meals to those in need.

Switchpoint Executive Director Carol Hollowell recently sat down with Chris Redgrave, Chair of the Informed Decision Maker Award Committee, to discuss the organization and their work on behalf of the community.

"Informed Decision Maker of the Year Award" Honoree: Friends of Great Salt Lake

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Each year, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recognizes individuals and entities that work, often behind the scenes and with little fanfare, to help our community prosper. We call them “Informed Decision Makers” and select them based on criteria consistent with the Institute’s committable core values.

On today's episode, we honor our third recipient: Friends of Great Salt Lake. The mission of Friends of Great Salt Lake is to preserve and protect the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and increase public awareness and appreciation of the Lake through education, research, advocacy, and the arts. Water levels at Great Salt Lake are in decline – hitting the lowest elevation in 2022. This threatens economic activity, a globally important ecosystem, local public health, and essential contributions to the state’s water cycle. The work of Friends of Great Salt Lake is more important than ever.

Friends of Great Salt Lake Executive Director Lynn de Freitas recently sat down with Informed Decision Maker Award Committee Chair Chris Redgrave to discuss the organization's important work on behalf of our state.

"Informed Decision Maker of the Year Award" Honoree: Comunidades Unidas

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Each year, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recognizes individuals and entities that work, often behind the scenes and with little fanfare, to help our community prosper. We call them “Informed Decision Makers” and select them based on criteria consistent with the Institute’s committable core values.

On today's episode, we honor our second recipient: Comunidades Unidas. Comunidades Unidas is dedicated to building the social and political power of people who identify as Latinx immigrants living in Utah. The organization connects individuals with the social service programs they need to succeed and the tools necessary to lift up their communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Comunidades Unidas connected thousands of individuals to critical resources and aided in the administration of over 4,000 COVID-19 vaccinations with the support of the Salt Lake County Health Department.

Comunidades Unidas Director Mayra Cedano sat down with Chris Redgrave, Chair of the Informed Decision Maker Award selection committee, to discuss the organization's work in the community.

"Informed Decision Maker of the Year Award" Honoree: Heidi Walker

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0400

Each year, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recognizes individuals and entities that work, often behind the scenes and with little fanfare, to help our community prosper. We call them “Informed Decision Makers” and select them based on criteria consistent with the Institute’s committable core values.

On today's episode, we honor our first recipient: Heidi Walker. Heidi serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest and statewide business association. She began working with the Chamber in 1998 as the director of business development and now has operational responsibility for finances, strategic planning, public policy, communications, and events and programs. Known for her strong work ethic and collaborative skills, Heidi helps to guide other local organizations through service on the boards of the Women’s Leadership Institute, Utah State Chamber, Utah Foundation, Women’s Business Center, Dominion Foundation Board, and the American Chamber of Commerce CCE Commission.

Heidi recently sat down with Chris Redgrave, Chair of the Informed Decision Maker Awards Committee, to discuss her career and what this award means to her.

Silicon Valley Bank Collapse

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0400

The federal government took emergency steps over the weekend of March 10th to prevent a broader run on the banks after the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the second largest bank failure in U.S. history, followed by the collapse of New York’s Signature Bank, which became the third largest bank failure in U.S. history. Over the course of a weekend, there was mounting fear and general uncertainty of what this all meant for the banking system at large, and what it meant closer to home for Utahns and the local economy. Tune in to hear Gardner Institute Chief Economist Phil Dean discuss the events surrounding the collapse and what the potential economic impacts could be.

Utah's Travel and Tourism Industry

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Utah’s travel and tourism industry saw record visitation and spending in 2021, according to the latest annual industry report released this month by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The report notes that 2021 visitor spending was up 49.5% from 2020 to a record $10.56 billion. Today we’ll be discussing the report and the industry's impact on Utah with Gardner Institute senior tourism analyst Jennifer Leaver.

Great Salt Lake Strike Team

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Declining water levels of Great Salt Lake threaten economic activity, local public health, and ecosystems. The situation requires urgent action. Fortunately, science provides crucial perspective, understanding, and scenarios for policymakers to chart a path forward. Many policy levers can help return the lake to healthy levels. Utah’s research universities formed the Great Salt Lake Strike Team to provide a primary point of contact for policymakers as they address the economic, health, and ecological challenges created by the record-low elevation of Great Salt Lake. We are joined by Gardner Institute Public Policy Analyst Eric Albers, who has helped staff and support the effort.

2023 Utah Economic Report to the Governor

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 13:00:00 -0500

The Economic Report to the Governor has been the preeminent source for data and commentary on Utah’s economy for over 30 years. The Utah Economic Council, convened by the David Eccles School of Business and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, publishes the report annually. The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute this week presented the 35th Economic Report to the Governor to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox at the 2023 Economic Outlook & Public Policy Summit, hosted by the Salt Lake Chamber. Tune in to hear Gardner Institute Director Natalie Gochnour and Chief Economist Phil Dean share their thoughts on the ERG and what it says about the year ahead.

The Dignity Index

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0500

A national project called “The Dignity Index” launched a demonstration project in Utah aimed at evaluating the level of contempt and dignity in the five federal races. The Index provides measurements of candidate speech on a scale from contemptuous to dignified.

With the 2022 midterm elections in the books, the Gardner Institute November Newsmaker Breakfast highlighted Utah’s focus on how the candidates spoke to and about one another during the midterms. We were joined by state and national experts as they discussed key features in the creation and execution of The Dignity Index. The event featured a special appearance from Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics and Founder and CEO of UNITE, who provided his insights on the learnings of the demonstration project.

The discussion was moderated by Gardner Institute Director Natalie Gochnour.

Utah Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Utahns are hearing a lot about consumer sentiment, inflation, and the price fluctuation of every day goods. On today's episode, we're discussing how consumer sentiment is measured and what it can tell us about the state and national economies. Gardner Institute chief economist Phil Dean and director of survey research Dianne Meppen join the podcast to break down the latest consumer data.

Utah Demographics: The Beehive State's Multiracial Population and Declining Fertility Rates

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0400

Utah’s multiracial (two or more races) resident population added the most residents and was the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group regardless of Hispanic or Latino origin between 2010 and 2020. Over the same time period, Utah's fertility rate has declined from the highest in the country, to the fourth highest. This decline since mirrors a decadal decline in fertility in every U.S. region and state. Hear from Gardner Institute Director of Demographic Research Mallory Bateman and Senior Demographer Emily Harris as they break down these latest trends and what they mean for future planning.

Utah Economic Insights: Inflation, Supply Chains, COVID-19, and More

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0400

US Consumer prices continued to surge in June. Year-over-year Consumer Price Index soared 9.1%, the largest gain since 1981. Utahns and Americans overall are citing it as the number one issue for them and their families. Whether it’s gas, meat, or necessities, prices have been on the rise. Today, we discuss inflation and other key economic insights with Gardner Institute Chief Economist and Public Finance Senior Research Fellow Phil Dean.

Jim Wood: In His Own Words

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0400

On June 21, the Gardner Institute will honor Ivory-Boyer Senior Fellow Jim Wood with its Lifetime Achievement Award. For 47 years, Jim has been a beloved member of the University of Utah family. His continuing work to help us better understand our state, its economy, and its people has helped build a better future for all Utahns. We sat down with Jim to discuss his career, current economic trends, and what's next for him as he continues to pursue his research passions.

"Utah's Energy Economy" with Senior Energy Analyst Thomas Holst

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Informed Discussions podcast, where we discuss the latest economic, demographic, and public policy research that is helping Utah prosper. Today, we’ll be talking about a topic on the minds of Utahns: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war of choice in Ukraine, current trends in gas and energy prices, and the future of renewable energy with our guest, Gardner Institute Senior Energy Analyst Tom Holst.