WVU Rockefeller 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

Wood County Board Votes to Close Fairplains Elementary Despite Community Opposition.

Efforts to lower drug overdose deaths in West Virginia continue as the West Virginia Department of Human Services, Office of Drug Control Policy announces a 36% decrease from January to May 2024.

The state School Building Authority has $54 million to award in school construction projects before the end of the year, but that’s less than 25 percent of the total money county school districts are seeking.

With nearly $400k in NIJ funding, West Virginia University forensicist Glen P. Jackson is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to make it easier for investigators and toxicologists to identify drugs seized by law enforcement. Story by Micaela Morrissette https://lnkd.in/eG9RfCmx

Looking to explore business opportunities in your Appalachian small town? Check out our comprehensive gap and void analysis for Downtown Morgantown, West Virginia. This report offers a deep dive into sectors ripe for development—from retail and lodging to arts and entertainment. If you're wondering where to invest or expand, this is a must-read for uncovering potential! #AppalachianGrowth #BusinessOpportunities #MorgantownAnalysis

West Virginia education officials told lawmakers that $258 million is needed to complete the many safety-related upgrades that local school system leaders believe are necessary.

Despite limited rainfall this week in parts of the Mountain State it didn’t do much to slow the growth of wildfires which have burned all week. The West Virginia Division of Forestry has nearly 60 members of its fire fighting team in the field battling multiple fires across the southern coalfields.

I talked with Anna Saunders at Wchs Tv in Charleston about the changing of the guard in West Virginia, energy policy, and senate politics. #Election2024 #publicpolicy #energy #politics #senate https://lnkd.in/eGMw-f8M

It was a pleasure to chat with Curtis Tate at NPR's WV Public Broadcasting. Have a listen to my thoughts on our #WestVirginia Senators, the way the Senate operates now compared to the past, and the long friendship between U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, III Senator Senator Shelley Moore Capito. #Election2024 #publicpolicy https://lnkd.in/d4haXYmm