Virginia FREE Academy UPDATE
I was asked via e-mail from a current state employee:
I am a state government employee who spends at least part of my time trying to explain to my agency that we need to understand economics (beyond our own internal budgeting).
Given that my agency doesn’t always appreciate being challenged on how economic development and business really works…
The person went on to ask if it was okay to join the Academy.
YES!
WHY NOT?
Virginia FREE has launched the Virginia FREE Academy, a non-partisan educational program designed to educate people involved in public policy making about how our economy actually works.
(FREE stands for Foundation for Research and Economic Education )
Starting Monday, October 5, and running through December 21, 2026, the Academy is a 12-week webinar series held live every Monday evening from 7:00–8:15 PM. Just over one hour a week!
Our Academy was built for any elected official - state, local, and federal and their staff or anyone seeking those offices.
It’s also built for those who are involved in policy making or would like to be.
Yes, that includes lobbyists and their firms and/or those who work for the companies they represent.
Register today at THIS LINK
Sessions cover the issues shaping Virginia’s competitiveness:
Virginia’s economic engine
Business fundamentals
Taxation
Labor markets
Energy policy
Infrastructure
Housing
Healthcare economics
Technology and AI
Trade
State vs. Local governance
Capstone session on real-world policy tradeoffs.
Tuition is $150 per participant
Graduates also gain ongoing access to quarterly alumni policy labs, monthly executive briefings, and regional in-person leadership forums.
Register today at THIS LINK
Seats are limited to keep sessions interactive, so we encourage early registration.
If you have questions or would like to discuss group registration for your office or organization, please reach out directly.