Dragas Center | Economic Research & Policy Analysis

The Challenge

The Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy needed to modernize a website originally developed in 2016 while improving accessibility across its design and structure. The existing site had become visually outdated and required a more accessible, user-friendly experience for researchers, policymakers, business leaders, and community members seeking economic data, reports, forecasts, and news. The Center also needed to preserve its extensive research library while making important resources easier to find and explore.

The Solution

TechArk partnered with the Dragas Center to custom design and rebuild its WordPress website with a stronger focus on accessibility, usability, and access to economic research. The new site maintains the Center’s established content structure while creating clearer pathways to reports, economic data, team information, news, and upcoming events. Existing content was migrated into the redesigned platform, while responsive development, baseline SEO, accessibility-focused design and development, and a flexible CMS provide a stronger foundation for ongoing research updates.

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Performance Snapshot

Custom WordPress redesign aligned with the Dragas Center and Old Dominion University brand.
Improved navigation for reports, economic data, news, team information, and other resources.
Prominent access to State of the Region, State of the Commonwealth, forecasting, and research reports.
Homepage presentation of current Hampton Roads economic indicators and upcoming events.
Interactive dashboard access for exploring economic and demographic trends.
Responsive design optimized across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Baseline SEO including meta titles, meta descriptions, Google Analytics, and Search Console setup.
Accessibility-focused improvements to website design, navigation, and structure.
Connecting decades of economic research with a stronger digital platform.

The Results

A modern website that better reflects the Dragas Center’s role in regional and statewide economic research.
Improved accessibility and usability for visitors seeking data, reports, and policy insights.
Easier navigation through the Center’s extensive library of economic research and publications.
Greater visibility for current economic indicators, reports, events, and Center updates.
A more organized digital experience across devices and audience needs.
A scalable WordPress platform that supports future research, data, and content updates.