Construction Materials and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Construction materials generate nearly one-third of global carbon emissions, yet conventional accounting captures only a fraction of this impact.
Good governance and resilience in every Virginia community
The Cooper Center provides valuable data and services to communities, governments, and public sector leaders.
Research
Visualizing Virginia's Commute
Commuting patterns can reveal important information about communities, such as how people access jobs, how regions are linked economically, and where transportation and housing investments might be needed. To help illuminate commuting flows within Virginia and its 133 localities, we created the Virginia Commuting Patterns dashboard.
Federal Workforce Briefing #4: 7.14.25
The fourth policy brief from the Weldon Cooper Center outlining the effects of federal reductions in force.
Economic Effects of the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Compliance Programs
This report from the Weldon Cooper Center evaluates the economic effects of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) compliance programs.
In The News
Virginia falls to No. 4 among CNBC's top states for business
Virginia lost its spot at the top of CNBC's annual Top States for Business report, in line with the Cooper Center's job loss predictions.
Virginia Business Magazine
Will Amtrak service return to Suffolk?
A Cooper Center economist says rail stations can ease road congestion, boost nearby businesses.
WHRO
AI Data Centers Require Massive Amounts of Power
According to the Cooper Center, energy demands in Virginia are likely to double due to data center demands.
Fast Company
Millennials are still leaving SWVA, but at slower rate
Millennials are leaving Southwest Virginia, although the Cooper Center's study of the latest demographic trends indicate a change may be on the horizon.
WVTF/RadioIQ
Public Service in Action
Read the Cooper Center's 2024 Impact Report