Economic Studies | Cooper Center

July 31, 2025

Rising unemployment, Trump cuts fuel uncertainty about Virginia economy

Weldon Cooper director and economist Eric Scorsone warns that if Virginia’s unemployment rate keeps rising it could strain state resources.

Virginia Dogwood

July 30, 2025

Will Amtrak service return to Suffolk?

A Cooper Center economist says rail stations can ease road congestion, boost nearby businesses.

WHRO

July 14, 2025

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

July 14, 2025

Virginia unemployment claims continue to pace ahead of last year

Unemployment claims are up 33% compared to this time last year.

WVTF/RadioIQ

July 10, 2025

Federal Workforce Briefing #4: 7.14.25

Matthew Scheffel,

João Ferreira

The fourth policy brief from the Weldon Cooper Center outlining the effects of federal reductions in force.

June 18, 2025

Economic Effects of the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Compliance Programs

Terry Rephann,

Tanya N. Wanchek,

Michael T. Dileonardo

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.

June 7, 2025

Musk Left Government. Will Democrats Lose Their Bogeyman?

Virginia Democrats turn to Cooper Center data to understand economic impact of Musk and DOGE.

Washington Post

May 21, 2025

Albemarle County study reveals residential growth comes at a cost

Albemarle County commissioned a Weldon Cooper study on residential growth.

NBC29

May 12, 2025

Report warns of deep hit to Virginia’s economy, citing federal government cuts - WTOP News

Cuts to the federal workforce and government spending will mean a significant hit to Virginia’s economy this year, according the latest economic forecast from the Weldon Cooper Center.

WTOP-Washington, D.C.

April 29, 2025

Cooper Center Releases April 2025 Economic Forecast for Virginia

Press release announcing the April 2025 economic forecast for the Commonwealth of Virginia by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.