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What We Do

We help build a strong, well-informed citizenry by providing nonpartisan, reliable services to individuals and entities that serve the public good. We conduct rigorous, practical research that informs public policy, and provide best-in-class leadership development programs for students, state and local governments, and non-profit leaders. Through our training and research, we serve as a critical and objective partner to help policymakers and practitioners solve pressing problems.

Who We Are

A team of nearly 40 staff and faculty with offices in both Charlottesville and Richmond as well as a network of 40 more consultants and professional partners.

Who We Serve

State and local officials, policymakers, community leaders, nonprofits, and members of the general public in urban and rural areas alike.

We're Known For...

  • Providing impactful leadership development programs
  • Delivering nationally recognized applied research
  • Maintaining continuous service to citizens and communities for more than 80 years
  • Offering in-service educational opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of research disciplines and public service capacities

Democracy in Action

Read the Cooper Center's 2023 Impact Report
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photograph of Weldon Cooper

Our History

The history of the Cooper Center for Public Service.