Thoughts from a Utahn on strengthening the economy, building community, and promoting civil society.

RECENT INSIGHTS

Three Million Utahns

By Natalie Gochnour | 11/10/2015

Originally published in Utah Business. Last month, Gov. Gary Herbert announced the arrival of the three millionth Utahn. We should all stop and take into account this important milestone. There is a saying among demo-graphers that “demography is destiny.” If you understand the characteristics of your population, you gain a much better understanding of your…

Utah’s threshold economy breaks through

By Natalie Gochnour | 11/06/2015

Originally published in the Deseret News. The Utah Jazz experienced a breakthrough last year when the franchise traded Enes Kanter and promoted Rudy Gobert to the starting center position. The Jazz have played better basketball ever since. The trade created an inflection point that produced improved chemistry and defense. The young team passed a threshold.…

Utah’s intergenerational poverty research: a public policy breakthrough

By Natalie Gochnour | 10/16/2015

Originally published in the Deseret News. I’m always looking for public policy breakthroughs that make Utah a better place to live and raise a family. I can think of several great decisions over the years. For instance, Olene Walker sponsored legislation that created Utah’s rainy day fund. It was a lifesaver when the financial crisis…

Contrasting religious practice

By Natalie Gochnour | 10/02/2015

Originally published in the Deseret News. This weekend members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will gather for what many believe will be a historic conference weekend. With three vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Mormons will watch with anticipation, love and faith as the LDS Church makes orderly and…

When stars align: A new policy institute will help Utahns make informed decisions

By Natalie Gochnour | 10/01/2015

Originally published in Utah Business. I’ve learned over the years to pay attention when stars align in a powerful way. It happened when my daughter, who was attending an out-of-state college, landed a job with the school paper, committed to a major and established great friendships. Suddenly, her college education and experience took off. It…

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