Utah Thrives Podcast | Top Research Findings of 2024

Written by: Christopher Collard

In this podcast, Utah Foundation staff members Christopher Collard, Ashley Marshall-Cantor, and Shawn Teigen talk about the top research findings of 2024. They cover the Utah Priorities Project, taxes, and housing. Listen below!  

Significant Statistics | Board Votes for Top 2024 Findings

Written by: Shawn Teigen

  The Utah Foundation’s Board of Trustees not only determines each year’s research agenda – it also determines the most important findings for the year. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of the board voters picked the number one choice.   Note: The percents above show the board members who voted for each issue. Each board member had three votes to select the top items from a final list of 10.   Three findings are from the Utah … Continued

Kelly Mendenhall Leads the Utah Foundation Board of Trustees into 2025

Written by: Shawn Teigen

SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 3, 2025) – The Utah Foundation today announces the 2025 leadership team for its board of trustees, with Kelly Mendenhall, Director of Regulatory and Pricing at Enbridge, appointed as Board Chair. Mendenhall has worked for Enbridge and its predecessor companies for over 25 years. A native of Utah, he has supported the Utah Foundation as a board member since 2017. He was previously the Utah Foundation’s Vice Chair. Utah Foundation President Shawn … 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

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

We’re Hiring! Research Analyst Position Announcement

Written by: Shawn Teigen

POSITION: Research Analyst – The Utah Foundation APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 2, 2022 JOB DESCRIPTION: The Utah Foundation is seeking a Research Analyst to perform public policy analysis and outreach. This is a full-time, salaried position. Candidates must have a strong desire to perform analysis of public-sector issues in a professional, nonpartisan setting and must demonstrate an understanding of public policy topics such as healthcare, housing, workforce, water, and/or infrastructure. Although the Utah Foundation is not … Continued

New President at the Utah Foundation

Written by: Staff

— Shawn Teigen to Take Over from Peter Reichard — On November 15, 2022, the Chair of the Utah Foundation Board of Trustees, Art Turner, announced that Shawn Teigen has been appointed as the president of the organization. Teigen brings a wealth of experience to the position, from entrepreneur to Peace Corps volunteer to researcher at the Utah Foundation. He’s been focusing on public policy for the past 15 years, including as the Utah Foundation’s … Continued

Press Release: Garffs to be Honored with the Utah Foundation’s 2022 Insight Award

Written by: Peter Reichard

Katharine and Robert Garff to be Honored with the Utah Foundation’s 2022 Insight Award Annual Luncheon Features Education Innovator Michael Horn as Keynote Speaker (August 24, 2022) – Katharine Garff and her late husband Robert will be honored with the Insight Award at Utah Foundation’s 2022 Annual Luncheon on November 16 at the Marriott City Creek Hotel. The purpose of the Insight Award is to recognize civic leaders who, through a career of service or philanthropic support, have … Continued

Utah Foundation Wins Top Awards for Policy Research

Written by: Shawn Teigen

Last week, the Utah Foundation was honored with several awards from the Governmental Research Association, a national association of governmental research professionals. The GRA presented the awards at its 109th annual conference and meeting, hosted by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia. The Utah Foundation’s honors were as follows: Communications Category, Best Video: The Missing Middle of the Housing Market Most Distinguished Research Award, State Government Issue: Going for the Green: How Utah Can Thrive in the New … Continued