Economic Data and Analyses

Commission a Study

Economic Development Incentives

The Cooper Center is a contractor for Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) in a major 6-year study of Virginia’s economic development incentives. The incentives examined include firm grants, loans, gap financing, tax credits, sales and use tax exemptions, and other tax incentives designed to encourage business expansion in the state. This study has resulted in eight major reports to the General Assembly to date and several working papers and articles.

Economic Impact Analysis

We provide a wide variety of economic and fiscal impact services using the most sophisticated tools available. To enhance our ability to analyze the economic impact of projects and policies, we use both the IMPLAN and REMI economic models. We perform both project-level and industry-level analyses.

Regional Studies

Many important economic policy issues arise at the local and regional levels, including issues concerning economic development, income growth, infrastructure adequacy, location analysis, workforce adequacy, financing public services, land-use planning and business recruitment. Our analysts have the tools, training and experience necessary to assist with the collection and analysis of data and the design of studies to guide local or regional policies. Examples of this work include feasibility studies, cost of community service studies, and strategic development plans.

Career and Technical Education Data & Analysis

Through its Trailblazers project, the Cooper Center brings current labor market and workforce data together with policy analysis to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Virginia. Trailblazers supports the goals articulated by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), particularly in its focus on expanding educational and employment opportunities for students, regardless of gender. The Trailblazers portal serves as a central location for labor market data products, reports, and external resources we have developed or identified for CTE professionals.

calculator, money and notebook

Local Option Sales Tax

A database, searchable by county, that shows how the Virginia collects and distributes the Local Option one percent Sales and Use Tax, as provided under the Code of Virginia.
receipt and pen

Taxable Sales Data By Locality

Taxable sales information for all counties and cities in the Commonwealth of Virginia, based on all sales tax receipts received by the Department of Taxation.