Center for Economic and Community Engagement

Project Spotlight

Virginia Remote Work Study

The shift away from in-person work to remote and hybrid work is predicted to be one of the long-term impacts from COVID-19 to the nation. As a result, workers are being decoupled from where they work and live, providing an opportunity for communities to attract workers to relocate there, and/or to attract employers to invest in more rural, satellite offices. Virginia Tech students in CECE's Economic Development Studio Class analyzed drivers and challenges of remote work, categorized the types of remote workers attracted to different communities, and developed recommendations for different community types and the Virginia Main Street program.

With real-world research, economic development capstone students help Virginia communities attract remote workers

View the final report.

Photo illustration by Christina Franusich for Virginia Tech.

Solving Problems, Connecting Resources, Engaging Communities

In the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), our center can help connect you with the resources and world-class research of Virginia Tech, engage your community, and turn your ideas into action.

GO Virginia

GO Virginia is a statewide initiative designed to encourage Virginia's economic growth through the creation of high-wage jobs. Discover information about GO Virginia Region 2, including meeting agendas, documentation, and project resources.

Vibrant Virginia

Vibrant Virginia engages and supports university faculty in exploring community and economic development in urban and rural Virginia. Learn about our project Vibrant Viriginia.

Region 2 Internship Collaborative

The Region 2 Internship Collaborative bridges the gap between secondary and higher education institutions, their students, and businesses, providing work-based learning opportunities in the New River Valley, the Roanoke-Alleghany region, and the greater Lynchburg region.

Supporting Economic Recovery in Virginia

Virginia Tech’s Center for Economic & Community Engagement, a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center, is now offering free and reduced cost assistance to some Virginia localities for economic recovery planning and strategy, including specialized technical assistance and research.