Blog

Significant Statistics | Inflation Updates

Written by: Staff

Utah is in a favorable position with inflation below 4% and unemployment below 3%. While this inflation rate is above Utah’s 15 year average of 2.4%, the state’s current unemployment rate of 2.9% is also well below the 15 year average of 4.1%. By the broadest measures, Utah’s economy is doing very well. That said, there are issues to consider. For example, shelter seems to be the primary driver of inflation, accounting for almost two-thirds … Continued

New Year, New Focus

Written by: Ashley Marshall

What’s the deal with the sunburst as our logo? When anyone sees a Utah Foundation product they see a sunset-colored sunburst on every cover and web link. This sunburst represents our research shedding light on the issues that matter most to Utahns – we illuminate the issues. When Shawn Teigen agreed to be our president, he embraced the task of ensuring that our organization remains focused upon what matters most. So, over the course of … Continued

Annalisa Holcombe to Lead the Utah Foundation Board of Trustees

Written by: Shawn Teigen

Kelly Mendenall, Benjamin Brown, and Carlton Christensen also appointed officers. SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 23, 2024) – The Utah Foundation today announces the 2024 leadership team for its board of trustees, with Annalisa Holcombe, senior vice president of advancement at Western Governors University, appointed board chair. Holcombe has 20 years of experience in higher education where she has garnered record-setting philanthropy, expanded strategic partnerships and created community relations programs that provide life-changing support for hundreds … Continued

Significant Statistics | What is New with Teacher Pay?

Written by: Shawn Teigen

A new survey shows that teacher pay in Utah falls below the national average – $56,200 relative to $61,600. However, this survey also shows that Utah teachers have generally gained substantial ground since the Utah Foundation released its teacher pay report in 2019. Utah teacher pay is in-line with three other Mountain States – Colorado, Nevada, and Wyoming – but ahead of New Mexico and far ahead of Arizona, Idaho, and Montana. Utah’s below-the-nation pay … Continued

Op-ed: How do we improve Utah? Think tank’s top 2023 findings reveal where legislators should start

Written by: Shawn Teigen

Before I had a child, I figured that raising one would be easy. After all, I had been a child myself and had seen firsthand what worked and what did not. It initially seemed largely a matter of common sense. For example, I decided that my daughter would never need more toys than could fit in one large toy chest. Whenever a new toy came in, an old toy had to go out. It turned … Continued

Utah Thrives Podcast | Interview with Kathleen Riebe

Written by: Staff

The Utah Thrives podcast has invited candidates of the second Congressional District Special Election to speak with Utah Foundation board member Thomas Young. In these interviews, Thomas asks questions relating to the Utah Foundation’s Utah Priorities Project and how these candidates hope to address the issues most important to Utah voters. In this edition of Utah Thrives, Steven Everett joins Thomas to speak with Utah State Senator Kathleen Riebe. This podcast has been edited for … Continued

Utah Thrives Podcast | Interview with Brad Green

Written by: Staff

The Utah Foundation has invited candidates of the second Congressional District Special Election to speak with Thomas Young. In these interviews, Thomas asks questions relating to the Utah Foundation’s Utah Priorities Project and how these candidates hope to address the issues most important to Utah voters. In this edition of Utah Thrives, Thomas Young speaks with the Libertarian nominee, Brad Green. This interview was edited for brevity.

Utah Thrives Podcast | Interview with Celeste Maloy

Written by: Staff

The Utah Foundation has invited candidates of the second Congressional District Special Election to speak with Thomas Young. In these interviews, Thomas asks questions relating to the Utah Foundation’s Utah Priorities Project and how these candidates hope to address the issues most important to Utah voters. In this edition of Utah Thrives, Thomas Young speaks with the Republican nominee, Celeste Maloy.

Op-ed: Don’t just read the headlines on inflation

Written by: Shawn Teigen

I implore you to avoid just reading the headlines. Instead, read the whole story. We should all know that by now, having been repeatedly suckered into stories with alluring clickbait across the internet. For instance, you may have seen or heard that “Consumer prices heated up in July.” Here is a better headline for you: “Consumer prices are perhaps the only thing that didn’t heat up in July.” Inflation had been trending down, and it … Continued