Economy

Thoughts on the Current Recession: Austrian Economics

Written by: Stephen Hershey Kroes

Continuing our series of research briefs on the economy, this brief examines the “Austrian school” of economic thought. These schools of thought represent different approaches to understanding how the economy works and what actions to take when the economy falters. Understanding these different schools of thought will help readers further understand the roots of the economic crisis and potential solutions.

Thoughts on the Current Recession: Keynesian Economics

Written by: Stephen Hershey Kroes

Utah Foundation is publishing a series of research briefs on the economy, examining the current economic recession from a variety of schools of economic thought. These schools of thought represent different approaches to understanding how the economy works and what actions to take when the economy falters. We begin the series with a discussion of Keynesian economics, which is receiving much attention in recent months because of the debate over the large federal stimulus bill … Continued

Growth in Household Debt: An Analysis of Saving and Spending in Utah and the U.S.

Written by: Stephen Hershey Kroes

How does Utah compare to the nation in terms of its consumption expenditures and growth in debt levels? This analysis provides insight into the financial stability of Utah households and how financially prepared they are for the economic recession. Results from the analysis show that Utah does not appear to be worse than the rest of the nation in terms of household debt loads; however, Utah did follow the same trend of accumulating significant debts … Continued

2009 Economic Report to the Governor

Written by: Stephen Hershey Kroes

Each year, Utah Foundation writes a chapter on regional and national economic comparisons for the Economic Report to the Governor. This chapter compares Utah with other states, highlighting the Mountain states, covering population growth, wages, household income, employment and unemployment, and poverty rates. The data show a slowing economy but one where Utah was faring better than much of the nation.

The Impacts of Utah’s Population Growth

Written by: Stephen Hershey Kroes

Dealing with Utah’s Growth ranked tenth on Utah Foundation’s 2008 Utah Priorities Project Survey. Four growth-related issues in the survey showed high levels of concern. The top issues were traffic congestion, crowding in public schools, water supply concerns, and changes in crime rates. This research brief provides information on how Utah’s population growth has and will affect these four and other issues.

Seeing Through the Bubble: An Overview of Utah’s Housing Situation

Written by: Stephen Hershey Kroes

The state of the housing market in Utah has been and continues to be a topic of concern for Utah residents. Housing issues, such as “bubbles” home value depreciation, and housing affordability affect nearly everyone, whether or not they are current homeowners. This research brief reviews the current status of Utah’s housing situation, including trends in homeownership, prices, sales, affordability, and some of the impacts the housing market has on the economy.

Is Utah Really a Low-Wage State?

Written by: Stephen Hershey Kroes

Utah is commonly referred to as a low-wage state, a status which can influence state welfare policies, affect labor market decisions, and deter talented persons from seeking employment within the state. This status is somewhat misleading, however, because it is based on numbers which do not take into account the unique structure of Utah’s labor force. Understanding the socioeconomic factors which influence Utah’s labor force and correcting for this bias reveals that Utah employees receive … Continued

Utah’s Energy Use and Resources: Powering Our Standard of Living

Written by: Stephen Hershey Kroes

How much energy do Utahns consume? How has it changed over time? Where does Utah’s energy come from? What can Utahns can expect for energy prices and supplies in the future? The Utah Priorities Survey ranked energy, including gas prices, as the number one issue of concern for Utahns this year. This report provides data and graphs to illustrate Utah’s current energy situation and trends, and makes these findings:

Local Economic Development: Importance of the Sales Tax and Other Factors

Written by: Stephen Hershey Kroes

Utah Foundation and the University of Utah’s Center for Public Policy & Administration (CPPA) have released a joint research report examining the factors that affect local economic development. This report initially set out to examine the influence that the sales tax has on local economic development. However, it became apparent that while the local tax structure does bear on city officials’ economic development decisions, there are many other, sometimes more influential, factors that affect local … Continued

The 2008 Utah Priorities Survey: The Top Issues and Concerns of Utah Voters for the 2008 Election

Written by: Stephen Hershey Kroes

Throughout this election year, Utah Foundation will work to provide information, analysis, and public dialogue on the issues that matter most to you as you consider the future of Utah. The project began with a survey conducted by Dan Jones and Associates to understand which issues are of greatest concern to voters. The results of this survey are now available here by clicking the links below. The survey found that the top 10 issues for … Continued