Founded in 1931, the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service is a part of the University of Virginia. The center is a research and training organization that provides objective information, data, research, technical assistance and practical training solutions. It serves the general public, community leaders, and state and local officials. The center has a staff of more than 50 individuals. It also offers policy analysis, leadership development, survey research and consulting services. The center provides certification programs for constitutional officers and voting registrars. In addition, it conducts economic impact and population studies. The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service offers goal setting, group facilitation, and strategic and regional planning solutions. It is affiliated with the Virginia Institute of Government. The organization operates the Leadership Development Division and Center for Survey Research unit.