Where is K-12 Enrollment Headed?
Two conflicting trends—the continuous birth decline over the last 18 years and the post-pandemic recovery in school enrollment since 2021—have made it difficult to predict the future of school enrollment.
Good governance and resilience in every Virginia community
The Cooper Center provides valuable data and services to communities, governments, and public sector leaders.
Research
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.
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.
In The News
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
Will Amtrak service return to Suffolk?
A Cooper Center economist says rail stations can ease road congestion, boost nearby businesses.
WHRO
Program could help Historic Triangle improve its response to climate issues
The RAFT program will help the Historic Triangle improve its resilience to flooding and other climate issues.
The Daily Press
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
Public Service in Action
Read the Cooper Center's 2024 Impact Report