An institute of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

RISE Rapid Research Reports (R4) translate timely policy topics into equity-focused insights, highlighting impacts on access, opportunities, and outcomes. They deliver fast, evidence-based findings to inform policymakers, practitioners, advocates, and the public, examining who is most affected, how inequities shift, and proposing actionable policy solutions.

Equity Challenges and Opportunities in the Revised FAFSA

Rapid Report | Issue 1 | Report Publish Date: July, 2024

Equity implications of the unchanged Federal minimum wage since 2009

Rapid Report | Issue 2 | Report Publish Date: July, 2025

Proposed AI Legislation Across the US States: What’s on Policymakers’ Minds?

Rapid Report | Issue 3 | Report Publish Date: October, 2025

Strengthening Critical Infrastructure for Equity and Resilience: Findings from the Environmental Justice Data Project

Policy Brief | October, 2025

Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for Black and Hispanic Entrepreneurs

Policy Brief | March, 2024

2023 Create, Grow, Scale Entrepreneurship Convening: Summary Report

Policy Brief | August, 2023

Ensuring Language Access Equity in Virginia Government Services

Policy Brief | April, 2022

COVID Vaccine Hesitancy Report

Policy Brief | January, 2022