Our Mission
Recognizing the challenges of 21st century governance, we deliver public impact research and multi-sector leadership development to build the capacity of Virginia's communities, organizations, and institutions to serve the Commonwealth.

UVA profiles Local Government Equity Clinic
UVA's Local Government Equity Clinic was featured in Amplify, a publication of UVA's Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, for its unique and practical approach in helping local leaders operationalize equity within their work.

Cooper Center integrates with Karsh Institute of Democracy
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.

What communities need to know about solar arrays
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

Where Is Virginia’s Growth Occurring?
"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

HSLP Applications Open: Apply Now
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 Terry to Lead Outreach at Penn State University
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.

Economic geography of Virginia
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.

Apply to a Local Government Equity Clinic
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.

Shobe's research featured in Nature Climate Change journal
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.

New Podcast on Redistricting
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.

A Team Effort to Prevent Flooding in Southside Virginia
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.

Leaders Lab Launches this Fall
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.


Virginia Solar Survey Results Released
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.

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

Congratulations to Molly Harlow
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 Tanner-Bond retires
Tracy, most recently the office manager for the Sorensen Institute, retires after 38 years of service at the University of Virginia.
Cooper Center releases its first impact report
In the midst of a global pandemic, the Weldon Cooper Center found new ways to deliver its public service mission and serve local communities.


Apply to our newly designed leadership development programs
The Senior Executive Institute and LEAD have been redesigned to meet the needs of today's local government leaders. Learn more and apply.

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

Leadership Development Gears Up for Full Slate of Programs
The Sorensen Institute, LEAD, SEI and Certification are continuing to offer virtual offerings this fall but in-person programs as well.

New Report: Religious Diversity in Virginia
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.

Congratulations to Molly, Beth and Jenn
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.