Emerging from the 2010 census, demographic trends in Virginia—increasing diversity, rural-to-urban population shifts, changing family composition, and more—hold myriad implications for policymakers. In this issue of Virginia Issues & Answers, we examine the impact of changing demographics on redistricting, voter behavior, and school funding in the commonwealth. Photo by Logan Wallace.
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In Virginia, demographic trends emerging from the 2010 census—rural-to-urban population redistribution, an aging population, an increasingly diverse population, and the changing composition of families—will shape the commonwealth’s future policy priorities. By Lisa A. Sturtevant, George Mason University
Political gridlock may well have its roots in a redistricting process that, depending on whom you ask, serves elected officials rather than voters. Despite the conflict, a potential for reform exists. By Jesse Tuel and Ashley Nicole Reynolds, Virginia Tech
A student competition demonstrated that redistricting can be a transparent process, open and accessible to anyone. By Quentin Kidd, Christopher Newport University
Increased voter turnout and Barack Obama’s victory in Virginia in the 2008 presidential election are tied to key changes in the demographic environment and election-specific political conditions, including voter registration laws and more. By Craig Leonard Brians and Logan Vidal, Virginia Tech
The hurdles facing public schools in Virginia have never been so severe. Three of the most difficult issues are demographic trends, disparate and inadequate resources, and a concerted attack on the institution of public education. By Richard G. Salmon, Virginia Tech
Virginia Issues & Answers is a public policy forum published by the Office of University Relations, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, as an outreach service of the university.
Publisher: Lawrence G. Hincker
Executive Editor: Melissa Farmer Richards
Managing Editor: Jesse Tuel
Art Director: David Stanley
Graphic Designers: Tiffany Pruden, Shelley Cline
Photography Editor: Michael Kiernan
Photographer: Logan Wallace
Copy Editors: Juliet Crichton, Richard Lovegrove, Denise Young
Business Manager: Paula Vaught
Mailing Coordinator: Ann Carlisle Strole
Webmaster: Juliet Crichton
Contributing Writers: Craig Leonard Brians, Quentin Kidd, Ashley Nicole Reynolds, Richard G. Salmon, Lisa A. Sturtevant, Logan Vidal
ADVISORY BOARD
James R. Bohland, Vice President and Executive Director, National Capital Region
Ralph M. Byers, Director, Governmental Relations
Brian Cook, Chair, Center for Public Administration and Policy
John E. Dooley, Vice President, Outreach and International Affairs
Larkin Dudley, Associate Professor Emerita of Public Administration and Policy
Steven M. Janosik, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Mark G. McNamee, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
John Randolph, Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning
Minnis E. Ridenour, Senior Fellow for Resource Development
Max Stephenson Jr., Director, Institute for Policy and Governance.
Unsolicited manuscripts that look at issues facing Virginia and suggest ways public policymakers can resolve those issues are welcomed for consideration. Opinions expressed by the authors are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the university.
VIA is a nonprofit publication and does not accept advertising.
All materials for the magazine should be mailed to Managing Editor, Virginia Issues & Answers, 105 Media Building (0109), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061; faxed to 540-231-8032; or submitted electronically to via@vt.edu. Letters to the editor may be sent via email or regular mail; letters may be edited and published at the editor's discretion.
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