Known for its research and practical work benefitting the commonwealth and local governments, the Cooper Center soon will become an even more important part of UVA’s growing focus on strengthening democracy at home and abroad as it integrates into UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy in July.

Intern Irene Cox and the Energy Transition Initiative team "have crafted a report advising communities on the deal they should strike with developers – noting that decommissioning a large solar array could take months and cost more than a million dollars." Virginia Public Radio

"Virginia’s cities lost population during the pandemic, but some localities bordering metro areas grew significantly – especially those near Richmond, according to Hamilton Lombard of the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service." UVA Today

Sorensen Institute is now accepting applications for the High School Leaders Program. HSLP is a two-week program that takes place on the grounds of UVA. Participants who successfully complete the program earn three hours of graded college credit. Apply now.

Larry D. Terry II, executive director of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, has been selected as the vice president for outreach at Penn State University. His appointment begins Jan 23, 2023.

Hamilton Lombard, a demographer with the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, points out that Virginia has the largest income gap of any state in the country. In fact, 33 counties or cities in Virginia have a larger income gap with our wealthiest county than can be found in any other state.

The Cooper Center and the School of Data Science offer Equity Clinics for local government practitioners in Virginia to help equip them with tools to promote good governance, equity, and resiliency.

The premier science journal, Nature Climate Change, featured a recently published article, Price-Responsive Allowance Supply in Emissions Markets, by Bill Shobe, Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Studies at the Weldon Cooper Center. 

For the second episode in our two-part series on redistricting, two Sorensen Institute Alumni who served on Virginia’s 2020 Redistricting Commission share their insights.

The goal is to combine the expertise of flood management professionals and the expertise of community leaders to develope a plan for managing risks and preventing flood events in central Virginia.

The founders of a new leadership program aim to build a “network of doers” for the greater Charlottesville area – and they’re now recruiting participants for the first program in September. 

The first of its kind in Virginia, the Virginia Solar Survey is a comprehensive questionnaire that collects data on solar readiness, policy, and solar and energy storage experience.

UVA Team partners with Lenowisco and Southside planning district commissions (PDCs) to assist with flood mitigation and planning efforts. 

After conducting a national search, the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service is pleased to announce that Molly Harlow has been named the Virginia Institute of Government's Assistant Director for Leadership Development. 

Tracy, most recently the office manager for the Sorensen Institute, retires after 38 years of service at the University of Virginia. 

In the midst of a global pandemic, the Weldon Cooper Center found new ways to deliver its public service mission and serve local communities. 

The Senior Executive Institute and LEAD have been redesigned to meet the needs of today's local government leaders. Learn more and apply. 

Elizabeth Marshall was recently accepted into the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI), a professional development program for emerging leaders.

The Sorensen Institute, LEAD, SEI and Certification are continuing to offer virtual offerings this fall but in-person programs as well.

Senior Demographer Shonel Sen and PhD intern Rebecca Bultman co-authored a new StatChat report that takes a look at the religious makeup of Virginia and its localities.

Molly Harlow is the new Interim Assoc. Director of Leadership Development Programs, Beth Bennett is the new Assoc. Director of Certification Programs and Jennifer Nelson is the Assoc. Director of Membership and Engagement.

In order to successfully transition to renewable energy sources, Virginia will need to plan to meet the substantial growth in electricity demand expected over the next decade.