WVU Institute for Policy Research

Non-Partisan Policy Research and Analysis The Institute for Policy Research and Public Affairs provides non-partisan research and analysis to state, county, and municipal officials and members of the nonprofit and business community in West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region. We cover all areas of public policy, nonprofit, and public-private partnerships. The Institute’s initiatives seek to build data infrastructure and fuse analysis and information systems in the region to help facilitate data-driven decision-making in public policy, good governance, and aid in economic and community development. Our work focuses on policymaking systems adapted to the challenges and opportunities presented by social and economic transitions. We provide support to state,?local, and community leaders to solve today's problems and seize tomorrow's opportunities. We ground our mission in the recognition that many of our most complex societal problems are difficult not because we lack quality natural and biological science but because we need a broader and deeper commitment to social science to solve those?problems. The Institute is committed to tackling complex issues at the intersection of natural, biological, and social systems. Public Outreach and Community Engagement The Institute for Policy Research and Public Affairs provides commentary and analysis?to public officials, journalists, and the public concerning important policy issues, governing systems, and public policies. We believe that co-designed research partnerships, where scientists work with officials and community leaders on the ground to develop research programs,?offer the greatest benefit?to state, local, and community leaders and best fulfill the land-grant mission of the university. To that end, we consult?these perspectives?in the design of our research and initiatives. We exist to provide support for communities to solve their own problems and explore their opportunities for development and adaptability. The Institute also serves as a hub?for state and local officials, non-profits, the business community, and the general public for relevant policy expertise on WVU's Morgantown campus and the broader WVU system. We help to fulfill the land-grant mission of WVU by undertaking?cutting-edge public policy research and research partnerships co-designed with the state's?communities. We work with scientists across campus to understand the social science of the state's and region's communities. We work to make?science and community values fuse in ways that allow those communities to understand and solve problems?while remaining rooted in those values that make them unique. #research #data #development #community #leaders #science #partnerships #nonprofit #publicpolicy #research #university #engagement

On Thursday, the West Virginia House of Delegates rejected a bill that would have allowed businesses and corporations in the state to donate up to $2,800 — and potentially more, according to statements — to political candidates.

West Virginia’s Senate Health Committee advanced the State Sovereignty Act of 2025, which would prevent the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum from having jurisdiction within West Virginia.

The president of West Virginia Coal Association believes FirstEnergy's announced plan to add natural gas to two power plants is not a good value for taxpayers or residents of Harrison and Monongalia counties.

A bill passed Thursday by the House Education Committee would allow designated teachers to conceal carry in West Virginia’s public schools.

A Kanawha Valley economic development organization says something must be done now about addressing the need for childcare after finding a deficit of over 5,000 childcare slots, affecting 32% of eligible children across the area.

West Virginia officials are watching what could happen if a financial framework for the federal government makes significant changes to Medicaid.

State Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby says West Virginia’s tourism only grows as they look back at its most recent successes. Today, in West Virginia, the total economic impact of tourism is approaching $9 billion.

The West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments passed a policy Tuesday that would divest funds from China.

The United States Department of Agriculture released its “2024 Farm Numbers and Land in Farms” report this month. According?to the report, 22,600 farms existed in West Virginia in 2024, down 200 from the previous year. https://lnkd.in/eJmrKrBr