CERPA's Economic Development Program facilitates research and policy analysis that promotes higher standards of living and improved economic and social conditions. The program addresses a wide range of economic and social issues, such as the urban-rural divide, higher education and tax incentives, but a particular area of interest is the intersection of environmental, energy and economic policy.
Funded Projects
- The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the Regional Economy, NC Policy Collaborative, $97,850
- The Economic Impact of Appalachian State’s Athletics Department on the Regional Economy. Athletics Department, Appalachian State University, $12,000, 2016.
- The Economic Impact of the Watauga County Industrial Park. Watauga County Economic Development Committee, $5,000, 2014.
- The Total Economic Impacts of the Mission Healthcare System on the Regional Economy. Mission Healthcare System, Ashville, NC, $19,750, 2014.
- Southwestern North Carolina Opportunity Initiative. NC Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and Appalachian Regional Commission, 2013-14.
- Mission Health System Economic and Tax Revenue Impacts, Mission Healthcare System, $20,500, 2013.
- Western North Carolina Vitality Index, partner agencies include Duke Energy, Blue Ridge National Heritage, and USDA Forest Service, 2011-13.
- Assess Public Policy Options for Increasing Adoption of Energy Conservation Technologies. NC State Energy Office, $32,480, 2010-11.
- Rural Economic Opportunity: Barriers, Resources and Best Practices. North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, $100,000, 2009-10.