Center for Public Policy
Expertise for Virginia's policymakers and community leaders, and your go-to resource for leadership development, impact analysis, survey insights and program evaluation.
The Wilder School’s Center for Public Policy aims to advance research and training that informs public policy and decision-making to improve our communities.
Drawing on the wide-ranging expertise of Wilder School faculty, we provide diverse public-facing services including leadership development and training, economic and policy impact analysis, survey insights and program evaluation to clients in state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses and the general public, across Virginia and beyond.
Learn more about our work on our VCU Scholars Compass page, or by downloading our CPP Flyer.
Have customized training, research, or project needs? Click HERE to contact us! Contracting with the CPP requires no bid or RFP for state agencies.
Center for Urban and Regional Analysis
The Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA) partners with towns, cities, regions, state agencies, and nonprofits to conduct economic development studies, evaluate policies and programs, and build decision support systems with user-friendly data dashboards for visualization. CURA works to identify strategies and solutions for the most pressing socioeconomic issues, including affordable housing, workforce development, industry cluster targeting, and more.Equity and Diversity Projects
The Wilder School and the Center for Public Policy have a long history of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community and across Virginia. By consolidating these efforts, we further develop our capacity and offerings in research, training, and leadership activities related to diversity, equity and inclusion. These programs leverage the expertise of Center for Public Policy faculty and researchers as we work with state and local governments, as well as with businesses and nonprofits, to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive commonwealth.
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute promotes the development of current and emerging leaders in academic institutions, other public, private, and nonprofit organizations, and communities. Consistent with the mission of VCU, the Institute is committed to identifying and nurturing the next generation of leaders through leadership training and public policy research.
Land Use Education Program
The Land Use Education Program (LUEP) offers a range on online, blended, and face-to-face training opportunities for local government officials, professional planners, and interested citizens. Programs include our nationally-recognized Certified Planning Commissioner and Certified Board of Zoning Appeals Programs, legal seminars, seminars and workshops on special topics, and customized trainings.
The Division of Research and Outreach
The Division of Research and Outreach leads the effort to create effective public policy in Virginia by connecting local and state policymakers to academic experts within VCU through the Translational Research Fellows Program. It also conducts public policy polls multiple times per year to provide policymakers and the public with an up-to-date snapshot of public opinion in Virginia, and engages in community outreach activities with Girl Scouts, homeschool groups, Rotary Clubs, and others.
Performance Management Group
The Performance Management Group (PMG) provides fresh insight, proven tools and techniques, and the skilled staff needed to meet individual and organizational objectives. PMG provides a wide array of customized consulting services to assist organizations in the development of strategies and practical action plans for enhanced performance. PMG also offers an integrated series of professional development institutes that develop critical skills at the supervisory, management, and senior leadership levels.
Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory
The Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory (SERL) has been creating collaborative research and evaluation partnerships with public and private entities at the local and state levels since 1982. SERL’s overall mission is to examine public issues and social problems through applied research and evaluation techniques to broaden and improve public discourse and decision-making.
"The Center for Public Policy is a valuable partner for policymakers in Virginia. They have the broad research capacity, extensive expertise on issues and proven leadership development programs to help us confront even the most complex challenges facing our society. Working with the Center over the past several years has proven beneficial to my office and our work. I strongly encourage other policymakers to take advantage of this tremendous resource."
Brian J. Moran, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security