Alexandra Thompson
Senior Research Associate II and GIS Research Coordinator
Alexandra Thompson is a Senior Research Associate II and Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator at Resources for the Future (RFF), specializing in the use of spatial data and geospatial analysis to address environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Areas of expertise include land use planning, conservation policy, invasive species monitoring and management, sea level rise modeling, and energy infrastructure planning.
As RFF’s GIS Coordinator, Thompson advances spatial data science across the organization by supporting software use, providing technical guidance, and developing geospatial data products and tools to enhance research and decisionmaking.
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The Energy Transition for Oil- and Gas Producing Tribal Nations: Assessing Options for Energy Development with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe
This journal article presents the results of a multiyear collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe—a major natural gas–producing Tribal Nation that relies heavily on fossil fuel extraction and related infrastructure—to support a just economic and e
Landmark Conservation Program Benefits Rural Economies
New studies find that the Conservation Reserve Program has created modest but measurable net benefits for rural communities between 2001 and 2022.
Conservation and Community: The Local Economic Impacts of the Conservation Reserve Program
This report assesses the Conservation Reserve Program’s impacts on property values, rural business activity, employment, and migration.
Effects of Carbon Policies on Disadvantaged Forest Communities in the United States
This journal article explores the effects of policies—particularly incentives for afforestation and reforestation, carbon credit market participation, and wood products utilization—on US forest communities.
The Energy Transition for Oil- and Gas Producing Tribal Nations: Assessing Options for Energy Development with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe
This journal article presents the results of a multiyear collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe—a major natural gas–producing Tribal Nation that relies heavily on fossil fuel extraction and related infrastructure—to support a just economic and e
Conservation and Community: The Local Economic Impacts of the Conservation Reserve Program
This report assesses the Conservation Reserve Program’s impacts on property values, rural business activity, employment, and migration.
Effects of Carbon Policies on Disadvantaged Forest Communities in the United States
This journal article explores the effects of policies—particularly incentives for afforestation and reforestation, carbon credit market participation, and wood products utilization—on US forest communities.
The Energy Transition for Oil- and Gas-Producing Tribal Nations: Assessing Options for Energy Development with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe
This working paper presents the results of a multiyear collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe—a major natural gas–producing Tribal Nation that relies heavily on fossil fuel extraction and related infrastructure—to support a just economic and ene
If/Then: The Slippery Slope of Federal Land Sales
If the US Congress authorizes the sale of federal public lands in the upcoming budget reconciliation bill, then the decision could irreversibly affect the US public land estate—and not solve housing affordability problems as some advocates claim.
Putting Resources for the Future on the Map
The “souvenirs” that RFF researchers bring back from their global travels—new perspectives, knowledge, stories, and photos—show a world of Resources that are out there and worth sharing.
Almost Everything Almost Everywhere All at Once: Why Place-Based Policies Are Not Targeting the Right Places
Place-based policies in the United States aim to provide support to specific locations. Unfortunately, major energy and environmental policies fail to target the places with the most need, diluting the intended benefits and suggesting the need for reform.
Geeking Out on Geography: Mapping the Effects of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act is a great example of how geographically targeted policy can have spillover effects in neighboring areas. New research from Resources for the Future scholars demonstrates why and how.
Landmark Conservation Program Benefits Rural Economies
New studies find that the Conservation Reserve Program has created modest but measurable net benefits for rural communities between 2001 and 2022.
New Study Finds Opportunity for Tribally Owned, Utility-Scale Solar Development on Southern Ute Reservation
New research carried out in partnership with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe finds that utility-scale solar development may offer new economic opportunities for the Tribe and its members.
Axios: “Wanted: A Better Map for Place-Based Policies”
A blog post by RFF scholars Daniel Raimi, Alexandra Thompson, and Zachary Whitlock about place-based policies is featured in Axios’ energy newsletter.
New Study Reveals Key Factors for Estimating Costs to Plug Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells
New Study Reveals Key Factors for Estimating Costs to Plug Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells