Our Centers

The CESD is an interdisciplinary center that hosts policy projects pertaining to the Commonwealth and nation's sustainability and environmental issues. Current and past projects hosted in this center include research involving the management of waste from bourbon & brewing, agricultural net metering & power purchasing, and agricultural economic empowerment zones. 

The CHD works to address complex healthcare policy issues such as rural healthcare workforce development, the preceptor shortage throughout Kentucky, disparities in healthcare access amongst communities, and enhancing educational opportunities for medical students to ensure the next generation of providers. Current and past policy projects hosted within the CHD include a geographically targeted preceptor tax incentive program using HPSAs, and a revised state loan repayment program to reward rural medical practitioners who have stayed in their communities.

The CRLE develops nonpartisan policies to better-ensure the rights and liberties of all Kentuckians, and works to promote equity through its solutions. Current projects hosted within this center include proposed amendments for increased transparency and added gentrification protection surrounding the new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in the West end of Louisville and improve community connection to the West End Opportunity Partnership board, a state + federal policymaker strategy to pressure passenger rail development for improve equitable transportation access between Louisville to Nashville and establishing Louisville as an Amtrak light rail service hub, and retro-fitting Ohio legislation to Kentucky for improved highway safetey corridors which help  to protect a right to life.