Andrew Woods

Director, Center for Business and Economic Research
Expertise: Economic analysis, Public finance, Public policy, Financial management, Public affairs

Biography

Andrew Woods is the director of UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER). He brings over 15 years of public policy experience, most notably as a business and public affairs professional. Some of his research interests include strengthening research in education, transportation, workforce development, economic diversification, and other policy areas important to business and government.

Via a wide array of leadership positions in the public and private sectors, Woods has expertise in applying data and research to strengthen organizations and communities. Prior to joining UNLV in June 2021, he served as CEO of Woods Strategies, an economic analysis, financial management, and public affairs consulting firm. Projects included a research initiative detailing the importance of medical research to the well-being and growth of Nevada.

As director of CBER, Woods plans to increase the center's reach and reinforce its role as a trusted resource for business and economic information for the public. The center will continue to provide expertise on current and ongoing topics that are important to businesses and the community and will increase its output of high-quality academic research.

Woods is a regular contributor to media outlets, including Nevada Public Radio and a guest columnist for the Las Vegas Sun and The Nevada Independent.

Education

  • M.A., Public Policy, The University of Chicago
  • B.A., Political Science and Economics, American University

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Andrew Woods In The News

K.N.P.R. News
A new white paper from UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) shows that Nevada experienced a significant increase in small-business creation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. While the state endured some of the nation’s deepest job losses in 2020, due to its tourism-dependent economy, the disruption sparked an entrepreneurship boom that could help redefine Nevada’s economic landscape.
Las Vegas Review Journal
Sales and permits have tumbled from early-2025 levels in Southern Nevada — and prices ticked lower for the first time in a few years — as buyers face elevated borrowing costs and other economic headwinds. Some key aspects of the market recently saw month-to-month gains, but overall, business is down from the same period last year.
The National
As cross-border visitors stay away from Las Vegas amid political tension with Washington, the impact is being felt from the Strip to an unlikely ranch in the desert
P.B.S.
Interest rates, tourism numbers, gas prices, and national tariff policy are all impacting Nevada’s economy. What is happening to the economy right now and what’s ahead that could impact people’s wallets?

Articles Featuring Andrew Woods

Campus landscape
Campus News | March 3, 2026

Some of the hottest headlines featuring UNLV faculty, staff, and students.

small business with open sign
Research | February 5, 2026

New analysis by UNLV's Center for Business and Economic Research shows that 40 percent of Nevada’s employer firms were created after COVID-19 as new entrepreneurs reshaped the state’s recovery.
 

Some early studying during the opening week of the Spring 2026 semester (Josh Hawkins/UNLV).
Campus News | February 3, 2026

A look at some of the most eye-grabbing headlines featuring UNLV faculty, staff, and students.