The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute

Finding the right data, research, or publication just got easier!

We’re excited to introduce “Kembot,” the new virtual assistant from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. Whether you’re looking for economic data, demographic insights, public policy research, or one of our many publications, Kembot can help you quickly find the information you need and point you in the right direction.

Try it out now on our website, Gardner.Utah.edu, and see how Kembot can help you explore the Institute’s work in a whole new way!

Congratulations to Gardner Institute Director Natalie Gochnour on receiving the United Star Award from the Salt Lake Chamber at the “Under One Sky: America 250 Utah Awards Gala.” The award “Honors an individual who brings people together to solve complex challenges with balance, fairness and respect. By listening to all voices, building consensus and prioritizing the greater good, this leader strengthens the community and advances shared solutions.”

The Gardner team is deeply grateful for Natalie’s leadership and service. Thank you to our partners and colleagues at the Salt Lake Chamber for this recognition, and for recognizing other extraordinary leaders from across Utah that help our great state prosper!

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, positivity, and passion. 
 
We are honored to recognize the following individuals and organizations with the 2026 “Informed Decision Maker of the Year” Award:
 
Stephanie Benally (Utah Foster Care), Bill Crim (United Way of Salt Lake and Utah’s Promise), Sarah Wright (Utah Clean Energy), Rancho Markets, and Waste Less Solutions

Congratulations to you all, and thank you for all that you do for our great state! Visit our website to learn more about the work of these exceptional individuals and organizations!

Congratulations to all 2026 graduates!

And a special congratulations to the Gardner Institute Class of 2026! We are so grateful for the exceptional work of our graduating interns, graduate assistants, and staff this past year:

-Parker Banta, Master of Public Policy
-Marina Berlin, Master of Public Policy
-Anika Boyden, Honors Bachelors, Political Science
-Gabriella Grover, Bachelors, Economics
-Ethan Hepworth, Bachelors, Political Science, Economics
-Ruben Ramos-Avina, Master of City & Metropolitan Planning
-Elizabeth Thomas, Master of Public Policy

We wish you ALL the best of luck in your future endeavors! 📚🏆🎓

Data centers are rapidly becoming a vital component of modern economies, driving stock market valuations, innovations in artificial intelligence, and tech industry growth both in Utah and around the world. As technology advances, the demand for data centers has surged. These facilities provide crucial infrastructure support for emerging technologies, providing economic benefits and enhancing energy efficiency. In Utah, this burgeoning industry supports the state’s role in the global technology landscape, fostering economic development and positioning the state as a hub of innovation.

For our April Newsmaker Breakfast, we were joined by Dr. Shon Hiatt, director of the Zage Business of Energy Initiative at the University of Southern California. Dr. Hiatt’s expertise lies in the intersection of energy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on sustainability and global strategy. Dr. Hiatt was joined by industry and policy thought leaders who shared expertise on the economic, energy, and community impacts of data centers, providing insights into how these technological shifts will shape the future of energy infrastructure in Utah and the United States.

Check out the link in our bio to view the data shared at today’s event! 🔗

Higher education remains a cornerstone of personal opportunity and statewide prosperity, according to a new policy brief from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

The brief highlights the state’s well-trained workforce, robust economic performance, and strong social fabric, all linked to a long-standing educational commitment. This emphasis on higher education extends beyond economic impacts, contributing to social well-being, civic engagement, and innovation.

🔗Read the full policy brief at the link in our bio!

Higher education remains a cornerstone of personal opportunity and statewide prosperity, according to a new policy brief from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The brief highlights the state's well-trained workforce, robust economic performance, and strong social fabric, all linked to a long-standing educational commitment. This emphasis on higher education extends beyond economic impacts, contributing to social well-being, civic engagement, and innovation.

Utah’s colleges and universities drive earnings, research, and social capital - Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Nick Thiriot, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, [email protected], 801-842-9150 Trisha Dugovic, Utah System of Higher Education, [email protected], 801-717-8451 March 31, 2026 (Salt Lake City) – Higher education remains a cornerstone of personal opportunity and s...

As Utah prepares to welcome the world for a second time in 2034, state leaders are drawing upon insights gained from the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. From transportation and sustainability to security and legacy planning, understanding both the achievements and challenges faced by other host cities equips Utahns with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

For our March Newsmaker Breakfast, we were joined by leaders and local experts who discussed their site visit to the 2026 Games and how lessons learned in Italy are informing strategies for Utah’s success in 2034. By applying these insights, Utah can foster a prosperous future that extends beyond the Olympics themselves, ensuring a legacy for communities across the state.

Learn more about what was shared at the event in a recent article from at the link in our bio!