Publications

This article by economist William Shobe with UVA's Cooper Center explores how the functions of the modern research university contribute to civic and economic well-being. It considers what the evidence tells us about the value to the state of public support for major research universities.

Any significant shift of freight and passenger traffic from highways back to railways will require a major shift in public transportation policy at all levels of government, according to former railroad executive, Richard L.

Knapp, a public finance expert with UVA's Cooper Center warns that Virginia's proposed "homestead" constitutional amendment, currently being considered in the General Assembly, will pose problems for local communities if it ultimately becomes part of the state constitution. The legislation would allow localities the option to exempt up to 20 percent of a home's value from real estate taxes.

This report evaluates the burial needs of Virginia\'s veterans. It describes the locations and capacities of cemeteries that serve veterans who reside in Virginia, evaluates the need for additional burial capacity, identifies an optimal location for a new state cemetery, and examines the issues to consider in procuring additional property for cemetery expansion.

The University of Virginia, by providing world-class educational opportunities to citizens of the state, has played an important role in the lives of Virginians since its founding in 1819.  The University enhances economic opportunity and provides a steady stream of citizens prepared to assume positions of leadership in business and in public service.  In carrying out its core missions of education, research, and service, U.Va.

In this edition of the Virginia News Letter, John Knapp analyzes the impact of the housing boom on real property tax assessments and tax bills in Virginia. He points out that while Virginia local governments have taken advantage of the housing boom to increase tax collections, they theoretically did not have to set rates that would yield large gains in revenue.