The Finger Lakes Region Clean Energy Workforce - Current State and Future Prospects
What does the transition to clean energy mean for the Rochester region? CGR was engaged by the local nonprofit Climate Solutions Accelerator to explore how our regional workforce can be optimally prepared for the new jobs and changes to come. Our report included a qualitative engagement with Finger Lakes regional...
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Open Primary/Final Five Voting in NYS - Assessing Impacts on State and Local Elections
CGR studied the potential impact of a “Final Five” voting system in New York State, at the request of the League of Women Voters of the Rochester Metro Area. Final Five vote combines open primaries with ranked-choice voting of up to five candidates per race in the general election. Advocates of...
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Needs Assessment of People Who Use Drugs in Rochester & Surrounding Region - Exploring Perspectives and Data to Inform Service Decisions
Trillium Health engaged CGR to understand the needs and perspectives of people who use drugs to inform strategic planning and future programming. Trillium provides medical care and operates a harm reduction program providing walk-in HIV, Hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infection testing, safe supplies such as needles and NARCAN, and...
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Emergency Medical Services in Cheektowaga - Existing Conditions and Options for the Future
CGR was engaged by the Town of Cheektowaga to evaluate its emergency medical services system including its communications department, the eleven fire departments that provide an EMS response and the primary commercial ambulance provider, AMR. The project involved an extensive set of interviews, visiting each operational location and data gathering...
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Potential Impacts of Village Incorporation - Assessing Fiscal and Operational Impacts in Edgemont, NY
CGR was engaged by New York State to examine the potential fiscal and operational impacts of a new village incorporation in the hamlet of Edgemont, a community of almost 8,000 people in Greenburgh, a town of 95,000 that contains six villages and an unincorporated area. We modeled three scenarios for...
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Allegany County Emergency Medical Services - Current Conditions and Paths Forward
Allegany County engaged CGR to conduct a comprehensive analysis of its emergency medical services system and develop a series of actionable recommendations for the County and the EMS agencies to consider. The County has had a growing number of EMS incidents and a declining number of EMS providers. Additionally, several...
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Code Enforcement in Chautauqua County - Implementation Roadmap
CGR undertook a comprehensive review of local code enforcement systems in Chautauqua County to determine what role the County might play in enhancing local code enforcement. The project was based on CGR’s earlier study for Tioga County, with more focus on potential options and their implementation. The project was divided...
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Code Enforcement in Chautauqua County - Options for Improvements
CGR undertook a comprehensive review of local code enforcement systems in Chautauqua County to determine what role the County might play in enhancing local code enforcement. The project was based on CGR’s earlier study for Tioga County, with more focus on potential options and their implementation. The project was divided...
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EMS, Fire and Rescue in Ridgefield Park - Evaluation of Existing Conditions and Options for the Future
The Village of Ridgefield Park (NJ) engaged CGR to conduct a comprehensive review of its emergency medical services, fire department and rescue squad operations. This community of 13,000 in 1.5 square miles in northern New Jersey has been served by dedicated volunteers for generations. After a thorough study of the...
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Code Enforcement in Chautauqua County - Baseline of Current Conditions
CGR undertook a comprehensive review of local code enforcement systems in Chautauqua County to determine what role the County might play in enhancing local code enforcement. The project was based on CGR’s earlier study for Tioga County, with more focus on potential options and their implementation. The project was divided...
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Ontario County EMS and Fire - Existing Conditions and Opportunities for Action
CGR developed a comprehensive report on the existing conditions of the EMS, fire, communications and hospital emergency departments in Ontario County. The project involved reviewing the operations of 28 fire agencies and ten EMS transport organizations that served the county. The number and types of fire protection and EMS agencies...
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Building a Coordinated, Equitable Out of School Time System - Ensuring Opportunities for Rochester's Youth
How to increase equity within and accessibility of out-of-school time (OST) programs for youth was the focus of a 2-year project that CGR, in partnership with RAND Corp., conducted for the Greater Rochester Afterschool & Summer Alliance (GRASA). The project included a local and national scan of OST systems, and a...
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Avon Fire Department Plan for the Future - An Analysis of Existing Conditions and Setting a Course for the Future
The Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) serves the Town of Avon, CT, and its 19,000 residents as a fully volunteer organization. In 2022, AVFD is facing a series of challenges related to its personnel, an increased demand for services, the need to replace several apparatus and aging stations. The project...
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Livingston County Weighted Voting - Apportionment Plan Based on 2020 Population
CGR was asked to determine the optimal number of weighted votes to apportion to Livingston County’s Supervisors based on the 2020 population numbers, using the Banzhaf Index as a test. This test was required to ensure that residents receive equal and appropriate representation for votes by the Livingston County Board...
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Village Operations Study - The Village of Lancaster
CGR completed an operations and staffing study with the Village of Lancaster in Erie County, NY, in late 2021. The Village Board of Trustees sought an independent assessment of the Village’s operations to help the Board set priorities during its annual budget process. CGR’s local government team analyzed budget and...
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Ontario County Weighted Voting - Apportionment Plan Based on 2020 Population
CGR was asked to determine the optimal number of weighted votes to apportion to Ontario County’s Supervisors based on the 2020 population numbers, using the Banzhaf Index as a test. This test was required to ensure that residents receive equal and appropriate representation for votes by the Ontario County Board...
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DMV Operations Study - A Report for Oneida County
The Oneida County Board of Legislators retained CGR to study and recommend improvements to operations in the County’s Motor Vehicles Bureau. Also known informally as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Bureau is operated by the Oneida County Clerk’s Office. CGR gathered and analyzed data about DMV transactions and...
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Newton Community Needs Assessment
The City of Newton, MA, engaged CGR to conduct a Community Needs Assessment to inform its plans for investing its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. Designed to gather feedback from those most impacted by the COVID pandemic, CGR sought input via a multi-lingual survey, targeted focus groups with lower-resourced,...
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Looking Toward the Future - Fire and EMS Services in the Wildwoods - Existing Conditions and Options for Change
In 2021, CGR was engaged by the City of North Wildwood to conduct a study on the fire and EMS services in North Wildwood and the City of Wildwood as well as the EMS service Wildwood Crest. The study found that the community has an average of 17 calls for...
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Review and Analysis of the Proposed 2022 Budget - An Evaluation of the County Executive's Proposed Budget
Starting in 2017, the Rockland County Legislature engaged CGR to review and analyze the proposed 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Executive Budgets for Rockland County. Each year, our report had three components. First, CGR reviewed a series of contextual elements, including budget priorities, economic trends, alignment with community plans,...
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Marbletown Fire and EMS Operations - An Evaluation of Existing Conditions and Opportunities for the Future
The Town of Marbletown and its 5,500 residents are served by seven fire districts and an independent ambulance service. The Town Board, the ambulance service leadership and the leadership of six of the fire districts commissioned a study to evaluate the existing operations of the fire districts and EMS service...
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University of Rochester & Affiliates - New York State Economic Impact 2019
The University of Rochester (UR) engaged CGR to assess the economic and fiscal impact of the University and its affiliates on the State of New York during 2019. This report is the eighth in a series of reports exploring the impact of the University since 2006. Total employment—both direct and...
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Analysis of Emergency Medical Services in Irondequoit - Overview of Existing Conditions and Options for the Future
The Town of Irondequoit engaged CGR to analyze its existing emergency medical services (EMS) system and consider options for the future. Traditionally, five fire districts, an independent non-profit ambulance service and a commercial ambulance service have worked to provide the service to the 50,000 residents of Irondequoit. Because of recent...
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Town of Irondequoit Fire Districts - An Analysis of Existing Conditions and Options for the Future
CGR was engaged by the five fire districts of the Town of Irondequoit (Laurelton, Point Pleasant, Ridge Culver, Sea Breeze and St. Paul Boulevard) to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate their operations and identify options for improvement. CGR conducted interviews with an array of members of each department and...
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Community Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis - Oswego County SUD/OUD Consortium
The opioid crisis has hit rural communities in places like Oswego County (NY) particularly hard. According to the NY State Department of Health, Oswego County had the second highest opioid death rate in the region in 2017. Additionally, rural areas face unique infrastructural, social, and economic challenges when dealing with...
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No Time for Excuses: It's Time for Action - Report of the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE)
CGR supported the work of the Racial and Structural Equity Commission of Rochester and Monroe County, a 24-member body appointed by Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren and County Executive Adam Bello to inventory and assess local laws and policies to recommend ways to eliminate institutional and structural biases, racism and inequities....
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Remote Worker Programs - Comparative Evaluation
Remote work has increased rapidly in recent years, largely in response to improvement in internet communications and a mindset shift from employers. This trend has been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced workers and companies to quickly adopt new sets of remote practices. In response to this shift, remote...
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Merger: Town & Village of Johnson, Vermont - Assessment of Benefits and Costs
The Town and Village of Johnson, Vermont, sought CGR’s assistance in assessing the implications of merging the two local governments. CGR’s report notes that the functions of the town and village are quite distinct in Johnson with relatively little duplication or overlap. The Johnson community already shares a municipal building...
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The Future of EMS in Queensbury - An Evaluation of Existing Conditions and Recommendations for the Future
Our study found that Queensbury’s EMS system is in good shape in many respects: it has adequate funding, a strong cadre of volunteers, modern equipment and appropriate physical resources. We also found, however, that the EMS system in Queensbury could provide better service to residents and visitors for the same...
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Review and Analysis of the Proposed 2021 Budget-Rockland County, New York
Starting in 2017, the Rockland County Legislature engaged CGR to review and analyze the proposed 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Executive Budgets for Rockland County. Each year, our report had three components. First, CGR reviewed a series of contextual elements, including budget priorities, economic trends, alignment with community plans, which...
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Code Enforcement in Tioga County - A Report to the Tioga County Rural Economic Area Partnership
The Tioga County Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) engaged the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) to review and evaluate the provision of code enforcement services at the town and village level in Tioga County, and to identify opportunities to enforce codes more effectively and efficiently by sharing services. CGR conducted...
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Public Funding for Charter Schools - An Analysis for Rochester
CGR was engaged by Geoffrey Rosenberger to analyze public funding for charter schools in hopes of comparing total levels with funding for traditional public schools. We interviewed school officials and reviewed documents from one new Rochester charter school (the Academy for Health Sciences, which opened this academic year) and a...
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Boosting Hispanic/Latino Entrepreneurship and Economic Mobility - Data to Support Request for Funding
CGR was engaged by the Ibero-American Action League to compile and analyze data to support the organization’s application for funding to support entrepreneurship and workforce development for the Hispanic/Latino population in four Upstate New York cities: Rochester, Buffalo, Albany and Amsterdam. Our team gathered data from the U.S. Census Bureau,...
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Community Racial Equity Initiatives - A Literature Review
The ESL Charitable Foundation commissioned CGR to conduct a literature scan of community-based racial justice and equity initiatives to better understand the types of initiatives that communities are engaged with nationally, the traits and best practices associated with these initiatives, and how is success defined and measured. To accomplish this,...
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Scan of Workforce Development Efforts - Greater Rochester Region
CGR was engaged by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce in late 2019 to conduct a scan of workforce development efforts in the Rochester region in order to inform local talent and economic development initiatives. Even though this report was completed in the first weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak, and...
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Rental Vacancy Rate Study - A Survey for the City of Kingston, NY
In 2019, New York State expanded an option for municipalities to regulate apartment rents from the New York City metropolitan area to the entire state. The City of Kingston, the first upstate municipality to explore this option, retained CGR to conduct an apartment vacancy rate study to determine if the...
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Step to College Evaluation Plan: A Multidimensional Approach
CGR completed an evaluation plan for East High School’s Step to College Program, an initiative to increase college preparation, matriculation and graduation of students. The evaluation plan included a revised theory of change and logic model, evaluation questions, measurement framework, and evaluation approaches and methods. The evaluation plan will...
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NYS DWI Report - An Exploratory Examination
CGR undertook an objective, exploratory assessment of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) legislation and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations and their implementation in New York State. We examined how new regulations issued by the DMV in 2012, which expand the grounds for administrative license suspension and revocation, fit with the...
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Estimating the Economic Impact of a New T-Mobile Customer Experience Center in Nassau County, New York
In November 2019, T-Mobile US and Sprint Corporation announced plans to locate the fourth of five New T-Mobile Customer Experience Centers in Nassau County, New York, pending a proposed merger of T-Mobile US and Sprint Corporation. CGR was selected on a sole source basis to conduct. This project is expected...
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Review and Analysis of Proposed 2020 Budget - Rockland County, New York
CGR conducted a comprehensive review of the County Executive’s 2020 Budget at the behest of the County Legislature. CGR identified several areas where assumptions could be adjusted to either reduce property taxes or to expand other programs. However, in whole we found that the county executive presented a balanced...
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Central New York Nonprofit Capacity Building - Assets, Needs & Opportunities
This report and related CNY Asset and Gaps/Needs Map identifies the capacity building needs and assets of nonprofit organizations in an eight-county region of Central New York (CNY). Commissioned by the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York (HFWCNY), CGR partnered with the Community Health Worker Network...
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Central New York Nonprofit Capacity Building Assets/Gaps Map
This interactive "map" visually represents the capacity building assets and needs of nonprofit organizations in eight Central New York counties. The map is part of a study of the nonprofit capacity building needs and assets commissioned by the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York (HFWCNY). Data...
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Early Childhood Collaboration in Western New York - Collaborative Efforts to Improve Systems and Outcomes for Young Children
Western NY Funders for Early Childhood retained CGR in 2019 to study how organizations across Western New York collaborate to improve outcomes for the region’s youngest residents. Liftoff, a group of more than two dozen funders, asked CGR to gather and analyze information about coalitions, councils and other collaborative groups...
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Bloomsburg University - Economic and Community Impact
Bloomsburg University is central to the Bloomsburg MSA economy. Employing 1,070 FTEs directly, it is the second largest employer in the region after Geisinger Health System. Using detailed data provided by Bloomsburg University, CGR estimated the impact of BU employee, operational, construction and student spending on the local and...
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Options for Schodack Fire Departments - Initial Concepts for the Future of the Fire Service
In 2018, the Town of Schodack and five of its fire departments engaged CGR to conduct a comprehensive study of the fire service in the town and develop a series of options for the future. The study looked at calls for service, equipment, staffing, facilities and financial operation for each...
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Western New York Nonprofit Capacity Building - Assets, Needs & Opportunities
This report and related WNY Asset and Gaps/Needs Map identifies the capacity building needs and assets of nonprofit organizations in a nine-county region of Western New York (WNY). Commissioned by the Western New York Nonprofit Support Group (WNYNSG), CGR partnered with the Community Health Worker Network...
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Western New York Nonprofit Capacity Building Assets/Gaps Map
This interactive "map" visually represents the capacity building assets and needs of nonprofit organizations in nine Western New York counties. The map is part of a study of the nonprofit capacity building needs and assets commissioned by the Western New York Nonprofit Support Group (WNYNSG). Data in the
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The Difference a Diploma Makes - Impact Assessment for an Excel Center High School in Monroe County
CGR was engaged by Goodwill of the Finger Lakes to assess the potential benefits of a tuition-free high school and career acceleration center that would serve adults who dropped out and now wish to complete their education. Specifically, Goodwill is proposing a demonstration project for an Excel Center, a model...
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Profile of the Hispanic/Latino Community in Monroe County - A Demographic and Socioeconomic Analysis of Trends
CGR was engaged by the Ibero American Action League and La Cumbre to develop this Profile of the Hispanic and Latino community in Monroe County. This report updates previous reports from 2000, 2003 and 2012 and is aimed at providing both big-picture and granular information about Hispanic and Latino residents...
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Review and Analysis of Proposed 2019 Budget
Starting in 2017, the Rockland County Legislature engaged CGR to review and analyze the proposed 2018, 2019 and 2020 Executive Budgets for Rockland County. Each year, the CGR's report was comprised of three components. First, CGR reviewed a series of contextual elements, including budget priorities, economic trends, alignment with community...
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Future of Fire Service in Schodack, NY - Part 1: An Evaluation of Existing Conditions
In 2018, the Town of Schodack and five of its fire departments engaged CGR to conduct a comprehensive study of the fire service in the town and develop a series of options for the future. The study looked at calls for service, equipment, staffing, facilities and financial operation for each...
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Addressing Food Insecurity in Northwest Arkansas - Identifying Barriers and Ways to Strengthen the Charitable Food System
The Walmart Foundation engaged CGR to examine food insecurity and the charitable food delivery network in Northwest Arkansas (Washington and Benton Counties) to better understand the state of food insecurity and to identify barriers to and gaps in services within this network. CGR analyzed national and local demographic and socioeconomic...
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Allegany County Shared Services Plan
In 2017, New York State introduced a new initiative designed to generate property tax savings by facilitating operational collaboration between local governments. Known as the Countywide Shard Services Initiative (CWSSI), it established a shared services panel in each county. Chaired by the chief executive officer of the county, the panel...
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Oswego County Public Safety and Criminal Justice System - Evaluation of Existing Conditions and Recommendations for Change
CGR (Center for Governmental Research) was hired to conduct an evaluation of the Oswego Public Safety and Criminal Justice system. The project included a review of the civilian and union public safety services of the Oswego County’s Sheriff’s Department, 911, District Attorney’s Office, Assigned Counsel, county, city, and town/village courts,...
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University of Rochester & Affiliates - 2017 NYS Economic Impact
The University of Rochester (UR), employs nearly 31,000 people, is the largest private employer in Upstate New York and NY's 5th largest private employer. Looking at the University’s entire economic footprint, CGR estimates that the direct and spillover impact of the University’s employee wages and spending, purchases, capital investments, and...
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Transportation and Poverty in Monroe County - How Land Use, Job Locations and Commuting Options Affect Access to Jobs
CGR was engaged by Reconnect Rochester to explore the relationship between residence patterns, employment, transportation, and poverty in Rochester and Monroe County. CGR analyzed settlement, demographic, transportation and employment data to explore how changing patterns of residential settlement, locations of jobs and transportation options have collectively affected the ability of...
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Organizational Assessment of Cayuga County Government - Opportunities for Improvement
In 2017, the Cayuga County Legislature began a comprehensive organizational assessment to look for opportunities that would streamline, refocus and reorganize operations. Facing stagnant revenue growth from a limited number of sources and having completed several cost cutting efforts in recent years, the County sought to take a comprehensive look...
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Renewing Our Pledge: A Path to Ending Lead Poisoning of Buffalo's Most Vulnerable Citizens
The lead contamination of Flint, Michigan’s water supply placed the problem of lead poisoning at center stage in cities across the nation. The Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, along with the City of Buffalo and other partners, engaged CGR to help
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Southeast Connecticut Council of Governments - Shared Services Opportunity Study
In 2014, the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) was awarded a grant from the Regional Performance Incentive Program (RPIP) via the State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management to support a review of shared service opportunities among SCCOG’s member municipalities. CGR was engaged to identify potential shared services,...
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Review and Analysis of Proposed 2018 Budget - Rockland County, New York
Starting in 2017, the Rockland County Legislature engaged CGR to review and analyze the proposed 2018, 2019 and 2020 Executive Budgets for Rockland County. Each year, the CGR's report was comprised of three components. First, CGR reviewed a series of contextual elements, including budget priorities, economic trends, alignment with community...
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Reimagining Law Enforcement in Tompkins County - Concluding Activities and Next Steps
CGR conducted an evaluation of existing law enforcement in Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca and the villages of Cayuga Heights, Dryden and Groton. The project focused on determining what services exist and how they are currently performed, then identified a series of options for potential changes to law enforcement....
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Police Oversight in Rochester - An Examination of Outcomes and Other Models
CGR was engaged by the Rochester City Council to analyze data and research best practices for civilian oversight of police to inform the Council’s review of the Rochester Civilian Review Board in light of community demands for stronger oversight of police. The study found that the oversight model used in...
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Reimagining Law Enforcement in Tompkins County - Opportunities for the Future of Law Enforcement
CGR conducted an evaluation of existing law enforcement in Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca and the villages of Cayuga Heights, Dryden and Groton. The project focused on determining what services exist and how they are currently performed, then identified a series of options for potential changes to law enforcement....
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An Assessment of the Future of the Tompkins County Jail
CGR (Center for Governmental Research) was hired by Tompkins County to conduct an assessment of the County jail; alternative-to-incarceration and other criminal justice programs, policies and practices affecting the jail and its inmate population; trends over time in the numbers and characteristics of that population; and future jail population projections...
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Reimagining Law Enforcement in Tompkins County - Baseline Examination of Law Enforcement Services
CGR conducted an evaluation of existing law enforcement in Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca and the villages of Cayuga Heights, Dryden and Groton. The project focused on determining what services exist and how they are currently performed, then identified a series of options for potential changes to law enforcement....
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Municipal Consolidation and Efficiency Plan - Chautauqua County
In 2017 the State of New York created a competition to encourage communities to improve local government efficiency. Initial applications were reviewed in Phase I and the winners—Chautauqua County, Madison County, Montgomery County, Otsego County, Ulster County and Town of Brookhaven—were granted funds to support a Phase II submission for...
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Prevailing Waste - New York's Costly Public Works Pay Mandate
The cost of publicly funded construction projects in New York is inflated up to 25 percent by the state's outdated "prevailing wage" mandate, which requires contractors to pay workers the amounts required by union collective bargaining agreements. The Empire Center for State Policy Report was coauthored by E.J. McMahon, research...
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LIFT Oswego Needs Assessment - Poverty in the City of Oswego
CGR was engaged by Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) and the City of Oswego to complete a comprehensive needs assessment about the state of poverty in the City of Oswego to inform a work plan aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of poverty. The City is one of sixteen communities...
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Consolidation Options & Impacts - Cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine
CGR was engaged by the Joint Charter Commission of the Cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, to evaluate the potential impacts of a municipal consolidation. To inform the analysis, CGR completed a comprehensive review of services, governance structures and resource allocation in both cities, the State of Maine’s 2nd- and...
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Evaluation of Public Safety in the Town and Village of Victor - Final Report with Baseline Review, Options and Possible Actions for EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement Services
In 2016, the town of Victor (NY) contracted with CGR to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and planning process for their growing suburban community. The analysis included reviewing the operations of two fire departments, an independent ambulance company, the sheriff’s office and state police and then identifying options for operation...
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University of Rochester & Affiliates: 2015 NYS Economic Impact
The University of Rochester (UR), which employs nearly 29,000 people, is NY's 6th largest private employer. Looking at the University’s entire economic footprint, CGR estimates that the direct and spillover impact of the University’s employee wages and spending, purchases, capital investments, and visitor and student spending, is responsible for about...
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Baseline Services and Financial Overview - Cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine
CGR was engaged by the Joint Charter Commission of the Cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, to evaluate the potential impacts of a municipal consolidation. To inform the analysis, CGR completed a comprehensive review of services, governance structures and resource allocation in both cities, the State of Maine’s 2nd- and...
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The Future of the DuPage County Convalescent Center: Options for Consideration
Like many counties across the United States that continue to operate publicly-owned skilled nursing facilities, DuPage County, IL is seeking to preserve the historic mission of its 360-bed Convalescent Center (nursing home) while improving its financial sustainability in a challenging healthcare and long-term care environment. CGR was engaged by the...
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Going Mobile to Increase the Reach of Summer Meals: A Feasibility Study for the Rochester Community
CGR was engaged by Rochester Area Community Foundation to conduct a feasibility study of a mobile summer meals program for the City of Rochester. To complete this study, CGR researched existing programs elsewhere in New York and the rest of the nation, analyzed the reach of Rochester’s current summer meals...
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Region I Voluntary Providers to the Developmentally Disabled: Economic and Fiscal Impact
Engaged by the Developmental Disability Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY), CGR estimates that nearly 30,000 workers, receiving compensation exceeding $700 million, are employed by Western NY agencies servicing persons with disabilities. Spillover impacts push the estimated total to nearly 39,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in payroll. The proposed minimum...
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Elm City Communities Strategic Plan 2016-2018 Plan
The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven, CT engaged CGR to facilitate a strategic planning process for the agency. The Housing Authority provides public housing and housing choice vouchers to thousands of low-income or disabled residents of the City of New Haven, and has strengthened its reputation in...
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School #17 Strategic Plan - Developing an Implementation Plan for a Community School
Receivership and Community Schools: In summer 2015, a new New York State Education Law was enacted pertaining to School Receivership to give greater autonomy and resources to chronically underperforming schools. CGR was engaged by the Farash Foundation to help a pre-K through 8th grade school in Rochester, NY...
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North East Joint Fire District Evaluation of Operations: Review of Current Operations and Recommendations for Change
In 2015, officials for the Northeast Joint Fire District in Webster and Penfield, NY contracted with CGR to conduct an analysis of their district and two associated fire departments regarding the quality of operations, fiscal planning and opportunities for efficiency. As a result of the study, the board of fire...
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Local Government in Onondaga County, NY - Preliminary Baseline Review: Section I (Who Does What & What It Costs)
Consensus – the Commission on Local Government Modernization – was launched in 2014 as a partnership of SYRACUSE 20/20, CenterState CEO, the County of Onondaga, the City of Syracuse, FOCUS Greater Syracuse, the League of Women Voters of the Syracuse Metropolitan Area, the Onondaga Citizens League and the Homebuilders &...
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Transforming Regional Data on the Gulf Coast
Gulf Coast Community Indicators is an initiative of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. This “state of the community” website provides a common source of data and analysis on critical topics that affect the health and progress of our region in order to inform community stakeholders, spur discussion and collaboration,...
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Dissolution of the Village of Macedon: Review of Potential Fiscal and Service Impacts
CGR was engaged by the Village of Macedon, NY, to provide a brief evaluation of the impact of dissolution on village services, finances, and residents. A citizen petition initiating a dissolution process prompted the evaluation, which found that there would be substantial tax savings and little to no disruption in...
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City of Rochester's Recreation Services - A Roadmap Forward
The City engaged CGR to facilitate a strategic planning process for the Bureau of Recreational Services. CGR worked with bureau and department staff to articulate community expectations for Recreation Services in the city, through community surveys, focus groups and stakeholder interviews. We fed this information back to the department and...
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Westwood Country Club Redevelopment - Economic and Fiscal Impact
CGR was engaged by Mensch Capital Partners to estimate the economic and fiscal impact of the proposed Westwood Country Club redevelopment in the Town of Amherst, NY. The developer proposes investing over $238 million to redevelop the site that currently houses the Westwood Country Club. This report details CGR's...
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Governance at the County Level - Assessing Shared Service and Consolidation Options in Schuyler and Yates Counties
In May 2014, the counties of Schuyler and Yates, NY began a study process to examine the potential benefits of increased collaboration and sharing of services. CGR was engaged to provide a baseline review, review options, and determine the impact of these options on residents, finances, and services. CGR's report...
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Substance Abuse in Ontario County - Tracking Recent Trends
CGR was asked by the Partnership for Ontario County to collect and analyze data on substance abuse trends to inform the Partnership’s ongoing efforts, including a strategic planning initiative. We consulted a variety of national, state, and local data sources to compile a list of relevant indicators, then collaborated...
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Child Care Subsidies in the Mid-Hudson Valley - An Analysis of Need, Availability and Trends
The availability of child care subsidies in the Mid-Hudson Valley has increased somewhat over the past 7 years, but only 1 in 10 children who could benefit are being served, a new CGR study reports. This is the second in a series of reports on child care
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Reducing Poverty in Rochester - An International Scan of Options to Consider
CGR was engaged by the United Way of Greater Rochester to research successful approaches to reducing poverty and their potential applicability to the 9-county Rochester region. Nearly 156,000 people live in poverty throughout the Greater Rochester region, with about two-thirds residing in Monroe County and over 40% in the City...
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Child Care Subsidies in Monroe County - An Analysis of Need, Availability and Trends
The availability of child care subsidies in Monroe County has declined over the past 7 years and meets about one-fifth of the potential need, but Monroe outpaces similar counties in providing this support to low-income working families, a new CGR study reports. CGR and the League of Women Voters of...
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Analysis of Police Services in East Goshen, West Goshen, and Westtown Chester County, Pennsylvania - Options for Future Operations
In 2014, the southeastern Pennsylvania communities of East Goshen, Westtown and West Goshen hired CGR to conduct a review of their law enforcement operations for their two police departments Westtown-East Goshen (WEGO) and West Goshen. The purpose was to evaluate the potential benefits of consolidating the two departments into one....
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Emergency Medical Services System in Greene County - Assessment of EMS Operations and Options for Improving Service
In 2014, CGR completed a project for the Greene County (NY) EMS Task Force the focused on enabling the county EMS providers to plan to modify their system based on the demands for service, existing resource availability and geographic constraints. The study created three different options for resource...
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Village of Medina Dissolution Study - Baseline Description of Services, Options for Dissolution, Fiscal Impact and Dissolution Plan
In 2013, officials in the western New York Village of Medina launched an effort to analyze the potential efficiency of dissolving the Village of Medina. The study considered the impacts of dissolving the village government while maintaining appropriate levels of service for municipal services including the Police Department. Cost savings...
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Building a Stronger Knoxville Region
ET Index was launched by the Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) and the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization, with the support and advice of a number of regional organizations. The project aims to provide a common source of data and analysis on critical topics in...
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The University of Rochester Economic Impact
As the 8th largest private employer in New York State, the University of Rochester (UR) is not only the largest regional employer, but the catalyst for over 50,000 jobs overall. In the two years since our previous study, it has continued to expand its influence by establishing affiliations with...
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Rochester Area Skill Needs Assessment and Business Climate Survey - May, 2014
Monroe Community College engaged CGR to support a survey of the workforce skill needs of the business firms in the Rochester metro area. In addition to training needs, the survey also explored business climate questions and the extent of the “skills gap”—i.e. the number of positions that remain unfilled due...
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Village of Dryden Police Services Restructuring Study
In 2013, the central New York Village of Dryden requested a review of their police department operations including identifying options for the future of the local law enforcement service. The study evaluated processes for police patrol, volume of criminal activity and financial operations of the police department. A variety of...
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An Assessment of Community Needs in Suffolk County, NY - A Step toward Better Aligning Community Needs, Health and Human Services Safety Net, and Available Resources
In the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy, CGR was engaged by the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island in 2013 to conduct a community needs assessment. The need for such an assessment had emerged in early 2012 and became clear as the members of the Health and Welfare Council...
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Future of Fire Service in Byron, NY - Baselines and Options Report
CGR completed an in-depth analysis of the provision of fire protection in Byron, NY in Genesee County. The report identified several options for the Town Of Byron, Byron Fire Department and the South Byron Fire District to consider related to potential changes in the fire service. The report highlighted...
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Feasibility Analysis for the Merger for the Department of Health and the Department of Mental Hygiene in Dutchess County, NY
CGR conducted a feasibility study of merging the Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene within Dutchess County. Our review included a detailed examination of the baseline of current services (operated by both government and non-profit agencies), and an overview of the changing landscape of the healthcare delivery systems. We evaluated...
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West Central Educational Service Center - Assessment of a Merger
Educational service centers in rural Ohio sought CGR’s assistance to explore merger. Changes in Ohio state law have changed the competitive climate for what were originally county-level entities. Created to serve individual county school districts, the state eliminated their exclusive franchise. Smaller ESCs have struggled to be responsive to member...
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Effective Local Government Through Collaboration: Service Delivery in Moreland Hills, Orange, Pepper Pike and Woodmere
Four Eastern Cleveland suburbs, originally one municipality, sought CGR’s assistance to explore the advantages and disadvantages of re-assembling under a single unit of government. CGR reviewed all aspects of municipal services for the 3 villages and 1 city, identifying likely synergies and service sharing opportunities. Cost savings associated with...
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Otsego County Community Health Assessment - Prevention Agenda Objectives 2014-17
Otsego County engaged CGR to assist with the development of its Community Health Assessment for 2014-17. CGR, in partnership with the county Health Department collected and analyzed data on a variety of health issues, as well as socioeconomic, demographic, educational and environmental data. In addition, CGR facilitated a community stakeholder...
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Gates Chili Schools - Redistricting Elementary Attendance Zones
Gates-Chili School District in suburban Rochester confronted a problem that recurs among most school districts: The attendance boundaries for its 4 school buildings no longer matched the capacities of the individual schools. CGR was engaged to advise the district on the boundaries, measure the impact on the demographics of the...
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The Future of Law Enforcement in Watkins Glen
In 2012, CGR was engaged by the Village of Watkins Glen to evaluate their police department and provide options to reduce costs including sharing services with the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office. CGR conducted on site interviews with staff of both departments, participated in department observation, and regularly met with...
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Rochester Area Skill Needs Assessment and Business Climate Survey
Monroe Community College engaged CGR to support a survey of the workforce skill needs of the business firms in the Rochester metro area. In addition to training needs, the survey also explored business climate questions and the extent of the “skills gap”—i.e. the number of positions that remain unfilled due...
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The Future of County Nursing Homes in New York State
In a study of county-owned nursing homes throughout New York State, CGR found 92% of homes outside NYC lost money in 2010, and without significant changes in how they operate, most have little chance to survive. Historically, counties have considered the homes to be an important part of their missions,...
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Rochester's Department of Recreation and Youth Services - Maximizing the City's Supports for Children and Youth
CGR was engaged by the City of Rochester to provide an inventory and resource analysis of its Department of Recreation and Youth Service (DRYS), compile information on similar programs and services offered by local nonprofits and governments, and benchmark the department’s operations to other cities. CGR found that, compared to...
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Options for Governmental Structural Changes: Dissolution & Alternatives Study for Village of Hoosick Falls, NY
In 2012, the officials in the eastern New York Village of Hoosick Falls contracted with CGR to conduct a study on the impacts of village dissolution. The study considered the impacts of dissolving the village government including the impacts on the police department, justice court, public works and administrative functions....
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The Context for Assessing the Role of Charter Schools
The Farash Foundation, considering providing support for charter schools in the Rochester NY region, asked CGR for a brief background overview. CGR’s report summarizes the arguments supporting and opposing charter schools; recounts the history of charter school development in the nation, NYS, and Rochester; and cites recent studies of charter...
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Rochester's Communities and their Public Libraries - 2012 and Beyond
To provide the foundation for the Rochester NY Public Library’s strategic planning process for 10 community branches, CGR documented how patrons use each branch. Key findings included: a) branches fill different roles in different locations and need flexibility to be responsive, b) since 1999 circulation was down but door count,...
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Strategic Options to Realign Resources for the Southeastern NY Library Resources Council
The strategic plan of the Southeastern New York Library Resource Council, one of 9 Reference and Research Library Resource Councils (3Rs) in the state, calls for streamlining services and leveraging limited resources for more effective support of member libraries. CGR examined the feasibility of formalizing shared services and/or consolidating with...
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What Makes the Horseshoe Golden? Why Greater Toronto Outperforms Central & Western NYS
Separate by water and an international border, Canada’s Golden Horseshoe region has been growing steadily for decades while Upstate New York languishes. What explains this stark difference in economic outcomes? Although many less measurable factors are surely at play here, the Golden Horseshoe’s formula combines an attractive immigration...
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City of Rochester Summer Meals Needs Assessment: Informing a Community-Wide Strategy to Close the Summer Meals Gap
CGR was engaged by the Rochester Area Community Foundation to assess the Summer Meals program providing free meals to eligible Rochester youth at sites throughout the city. Our analysis found that less than a quarter of children who would benefit from the program are currently being served, leaving a gap...
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OCM BOCES and Oswego County School Library Systems Merger Study: Merger Task Force Report
For two school library systems in NYS – Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES and Oswego BOCES – CGR helped explore the viability of pursuing a merged system. CGR studied the operations of the systems and facilitated meetings of a regional task force of library professionals, which recommended the boards pursue consolidation in order...
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Southern Arizona Community Indicators: A Foundation for Action
CGR was selected to coordinate the creation of Southern Arizona Indicators, an interactive profile of Southern Arizona now serving to spur discussion of community issues and solutions. Led by the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona and the United Way of Tucson & Southern Arizona, the initiative is also supported by...
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What Supports 3rd Grade Reading in Rochester?
To support the launch in Rochester NY of a “cradle to career” initiative called ROC the Future, CGR documented the community supports that contribute to children reading on grade level by Grade 3, which the initiative targets as a critical indicator of children’s success in life. With funding from...
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Evaluation of Potential Governance Structures and Shared Services: Town and Village of Ossining, NY
CGR analyzed the potential fiscal impacts of a range of structural alternatives for the Westchester County, NY community of Ossining, which currently is serviced by town and village governments. CGR examined the implications of consolidating the 2 governments into a single city; dissolving the village and shifting service responsibility to...
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Village of Norwood Dissolution Study, Plan and Alternatives
The Village of Norwood, located in NY’s St. Lawrence County, is partially in the Town of Norfolk and partially in the Town of Potsdam. The Town of Potsdam also includes the Village of Potsdam. Driven by a desire for greater autonomy and concerns about the impact on Norwood...
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Summer Youth Employment in the City of Rochester: A Review and Benchmarking of the Summer of Opportunity Program
Rochester NY engaged CGR to review its Summer of Opportunity (youth jobs) Program. Key issues explored included overall cost, administrative expenses, how impact is measured, and whether the city should continue its own program. CGR identified benchmark programs in New York City, Buffalo, Hartford, and Oneida County NY, and made...
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Village of Mannsville Dissolution Study, Plan and Alternatives
Mannsville is a small village (population 354) in the Town of Ellisburg, located in northern NY. In late 2012, a study committee explored the impact of dissolving the village and developed a report and dissolution plan. The committee estimates Mannsville taxpayers will experience a 40% decrease in their...
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Potential Opportunities and Actions for ROC the Future As heard by CGR and The Children's Agenda
To support the launch in Rochester NY of a “cradle to career” initiative called ROC the Future, CGR documented the community supports that contribute to children reading on grade level by Grade 3, which the initiative targets as a critical indicator of children’s success in life. With funding from...
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Potential Impact on Emergency Services in Alabama, NY: An Evaluation of the Proposed STAMP Project
At the request of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), CGR evaluated the potential impact to existing public safety services in the area of a proposed major advanced manufacturing plant in Alabama NY. The proposed STAMP (Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Plant) site is in a rural area of...
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Profile of the Hispanic/Latino Community in Monroe County: How are we doing?
Monroe County’s Hispanic/Latino community has grown 30% in the past decade, and more Hispanic youth are graduating from high school though relatively few go on to college. A CGR report documents the growth, strengths and challenges facing the Hispanic/Latino community with data and analysis of more than 20 Census indicators.
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The Village of East Syracuse and Town of DeWitt Shared Services Study
The Village of East Syracuse received a NYS Local Government Efficiency grant to assess, in cooperation with the Town of DeWitt, service sharing and cost saving opportunities in 6 service areas: assessment; code enforcement; planning and zoning; snow removal; parks and recreation; and code enforcement. CGR completed the assessment...
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Options for the Future of Cattaraugus County Nursing Homes
Cattaraugus County is one of only 2 NY counties to own and operate a pair of nursing homes. Due to concerns about current operating costs and uncertainties about future state and federal funding, the county engaged CGR to help weigh options concerning the future operation, management and ownership of the...
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Options for the Future of the Chautauqua County Nursing Home
Concerned about the cost of its nursing home, Chautauqua County requested bids for the facility from potential buyers, then decided to simultaneously assess what it could do to operate the home more cost effectively. In early 2012, CGR was engaged to determine the home’s financial viability and assess options for...
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Village of Chaumont Dissolution Study and Dissolution Plan
Chaumont is a small NY village (population 625) known for having one of the largest freshwater bays in the world. For some time, the village and surrounding Town of Lyme have actively pursued working closely together. At village request, a study committee examined dissolving the village and merging operations with...
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Governance and Service Options - Village and Town of Malone
Nearly 60% of the 10,000 residents in NY’s Town of Malone reside in the Village of Malone, located in Franklin County near the Canadian border. At village request, a study committee examined dissolving the village and outlined alternatives to dissolution. If the impact of an estimated $750,000 state incentive for...
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Economic Impact of the University of Rochester: Measuring the Regional Stimulus Provided by New York State's Seventh Largest Private Employer
The University of Rochester (UR), which employs more than 23,000 people, is NY's 7th largest private employer. In 2011, UR continued to expand, adding infrastructure and driving research-related dollars to the Rochester region even as the local, state and national economies struggled to regain their footing. CGR...
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Who Provides Services on Long Island? An Introduction to the Long Island Index's New Interactive Map
Dozens of special districts on Long Island add to the patchwork quilt of governments providing services to residents. A new interactive map developed by the Long Island Index allows users for the first time to see the boundaries of all local service providers, along with information about how to...
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Regional Economic Impact of the Corning Museum of Glass
The Corning Museum of Glass is a unique resource and provides a significant stimulus for the economy of NY’s Finger Lakes region. In 2011 the museum generated more than 750 jobs, resulting in more than $32 million in labor income. CGR analysis found nearly 10% of tourism jobs...
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Ontario County Regional High Schools Feasibility Study: Options for Addressing Rising Costs and Shrinking Enrollment
Eight of the nine districts in Ontario County have decreasing enrollment, a trend that is projected to continue through the next decade. The districts agreed to explore how regional high schools and/or regional collaborations could save taxpayer dollars and expand educational opportunities. CGR presents several models and finds that...
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Coming Home to Caring Communities: A Blueprint for Serving Veterans and Families
After more than a decade of war in Afghanistan and years of combat in Iraq, thousands of returning service members struggle with injury, post-traumatic stress or other challenging problems. The lives of more than 6,200 families changed forever when they lost family members in these wars. The Rochester NY nonprofit...
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Schoharie County Highways Shared Services/Consolidation Study - An Overview of Current Operations and Analysis of Options
Schoharie County engaged CGR to study options for improving efficiency in the highway services provided by the 22 municipalities in the county. CGR catalogued the highway inventory and operations of each local government and analyzed 2 sub-regional models for improving efficiency. The first explored merging 2 town highway operations, and...
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Hamlin, Morton, Walker Fire District Consolidation Study - Baseline Review and Analysis of Options
CGR completed a consolidation study for the Fire Districts of Hamlin, Morton and Walker. The districts are located primarily in the northwest quadrant of Monroe County NY, largely covering the Town of Hamlin. The districts jointly agreed to study the operational and tax impacts associated with consolidation to address the...
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Options for the Future - A Report for the Village of Painted Post and the Town of Erwin
Facing serious fiscal challenges, the Painted Post NY village board appointed a committee to examine options for the future and project related financial and property tax impacts. In its December 2011 report, the committee provides a strategic framework for creating a more cost effective way to deliver local government...
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Read to Succeed Buffalo - Focusing and Aligning Resources
A Buffalo NY nonprofit at a crossroads turned to CGR to design and facilitate its strategic planning process. CGR involved board, staff and community stakeholders in the work of planning Read to Succeed’s future in a way that aligns staff’s day-to-day work with organizational mission. CGR deliverables included developing the...
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Review and Analysis of Proposed 2012 Budget - Ulster County, New York
In 2011, Ulster County engaged CGR to provide comprehensive analytical support for its proposed 2012 fiscal year budget of $350 million. CGR’s role involved analyzing all line-items across the County budget’s seven fund accounts and reporting on the reasonableness of projected spending and revenue levels. The economic and...
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RCSD New Schools Evaluation: Year One
CGR completed an implementation evaluation of five secondary schools opened in the Rochester NY City School District in 2010-11. CGR found the schools have successfully established generally positive environments where students feel cared about and teachers are proud to work. Some academic outcomes are higher that the district as a...
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Options for the Future for the Village of Hudson Falls and the Town of Kingsbury
Leadership in the Village of Hudson Falls agreed to assess options for increasing efficiency and promoting taxpayer savings - up to and including dissolution. A study committee, with support from CGR, identified a range of options from co-locating offices to coordinating capital planning and purchasing for fire services. As required...
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Orange County Valley View Nursing Home: Current Reality and Future Options
A team led by CGR assessed options for the future of the 360-bed public nursing home operated by Orange County NY, and recommends the county sell the facility. Although CGR identified ways to reduce costs if the county continues to own the home, we concluded that any potential cost savings...
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Elector Initiated Dissolution Plan and Report for the Village of Altmar
On Dec. 6, 2011, voters in the Village of Altmar approved an elector-initiated dissolution plan by a vote of 54 to 50. As a result, Altmar is the first village in NY to approve dissolution under a state law that took effect in March 2010. The village will be...
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Village of Potsdam Dissolution Study and Dissolution Plan
Located in northern NYS, the Town of Potsdam includes two villages; with the majority of residents living in the Village of Potsdam, population 10,000. Home to two state universities, nearly 70% of village properties are tax-exempt – putting pressure on village residents to cover a large share of the costs...
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Suffolk County's Bureau of Public Health Nursing: An Assessment
The Suffolk County Legislature engaged CGR to explore the balance of benefit and cost resulting from the County’s Bureau of Public Health Nursing. CGR also explored options for the sale or retention of the County’s Certified Home Health Agency. The final report includes a robust bibliography of cost-benefit analyses of...
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Review of Code Enforcement Operations in Broome, County, NY: Options for Regional Consolidation and Shared Services
In 2010, Broome County NY engaged CGR to assess the feasibility and potential efficiency of consolidating municipal code enforcement functions on a countywide basis. CGR found that local service providers stood to gain the most savings by shifting the responsibility entirely to the state, something permitted under current state...
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Government Reorganization Feasibility Study for the Village of Medina and Surrounding Towns
The Village of Medina and the Towns of Ridgeway and Shelby commissioned CGR in 2010 to assist an Inter Municipal Study Committee to explore potential benefits of sharing services and merging the Towns, and/or dissolving the Village. The project was paid for in part by a NYS Local Government...
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Nassau County Youth Board Assessment: Implications of Reduced Funding of the Nassau County Youth Board and Options for the Future.
In the midst of a major financial crisis facing Nassau County, the Rauch Foundation engaged CGR to assess the impacts the crisis and resulting proposed cuts would have on the County Youth Board’s ability to support a wide range of community-based youth services. CGR developed a three-phase blueprint to strategically...
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Consolidation Options and Impacts for Princeton, NJ: A Report to the Joint Consolidation/Shared Services Study Commission
In November 2011, voters in the Borough and Township of Princeton NJ overwhelmingly approved consolidating into a single government, effective in January 2013. CGR was engaged in 2010 to complete an in-depth analysis of the financial and operational implications of merger and assist the appointed Consolidation Commission with development of...
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Local Development Corporations (LDC): Risks and Benefits - Case Studies in the Rochester Area
CGR, with funding from the Beatrice Bibby Fund at CGR in cooperation with the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Rochester (NY), set out to identify the number, type and characteristics of local development corporations in the Rochester area. These quasi-government entities are not subject to the same public oversight...
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Herkimer County Highway Shared Services/Consolidation Study - Options for Increasing Efficiency
CGR completed a report that evaluated ways that the 31 local governments in Herkimer County might be able to maintain roads and bridges within the County more efficiently. The report is designed to be a long range planning document for the local governments. Using GIS mapping along with...
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Town of Aurora and Village of East Aurora: Options for Shared Highway/DPW Services
The Town of Aurora and Village of East Aurora in western NY engaged CGR to document the existing operations in their highway and public works departments and to explore options for increasing efficiency and effectiveness and maximizing the return to taxpayers. The communities have a history of identifying areas...
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Economic Impact of Independent Colleges and Universities
New York's higher education sector - including world-renowned Columbia, New York and Cornell universities - has long been acknowledged as a center of scholarship and culture. Now higher education is being recognized for having an economic impact as well. CGR was engaged by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities...
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Rochester Housing Authority Strategic Plan 2010-2015
The Rochester Housing Authority (RHA) provides public housing, Section 8 and/or other housing-related services for more than 22,000 low income or disabled residents in the 5-county Rochester NY region. CGR provided consultant and facilitation services to assist the agency as it developed its first comprehensive strategic plan. The engagement...
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Analysis of Shared Services in Lyons, NY
The Village and Town of Lyons, along with the Lyons Central School District have a long history of implementing shared services to better serve their Wayne County (NY) community. In 2010, they collectively engaged CGR to explore ways to further their collaboration. CGR studied code enforcement, municipal courts,...
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Municipal Services & Financial Overview - Borough and Township of Princeton
In November 2011, voters in the Borough and Township of Princeton NJ overwhelmingly approved consolidating into a single government, effective in January 2013. CGR was engaged in 2010 to complete an in-depth analysis of the financial and operational implications of merger and assist the appointed Consolidation Commission with development of...
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Village of Edwards Dissolution Study and Dissolution Plan
The Village of Edwards, population 440, is located in NY's southern St. Lawrence County. In the years since 1981, when the last mine in this rural area closed, the community lost virtually all of its business and retail base. After receiving a state Local Government Efficiency grant, the village engaged...
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Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection Graduation Years 2007-2009
CGR conducted a study of the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection program for participants graduating in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Inquiries about CGR’s report should be directed to Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection at (585) 654-1600.
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Village of Candor Dissolution Study and Dissolution Plan
The Village of Candor, population 794, is located in the Southern Tier of New York State and received a petition calling for a plan of dissolution of the village government. The village engaged CGR to assist a committee of residents in developing cost-effective options to deliver municipal services up to...
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Analysis of Shared Services in the Village and Town of Geneseo Code Enforcement and Courts
The Village and Town of Geneseo have a long history of sharing municipal services. The municipalities decided to formally study two informal sharing relationships – code enforcement and courts. One goal was to understand if the current arrangement for code enforcement is still advantageous or whether the communities should formalize...
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Village of Dansville Dissolution/Coterminous Feasibility Study
The Village of Dansville and Town of North Dansville NY are interested in controlling costs through shared service opportunities up to and including full consolidation. While elected officials were originally intrigued by the concept of becoming a co-terminous village and town, a full study found that pursuing city status...
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Genesee County Nursing Home Assessment and Analysis of Future Options
For Genesee County (NY), CGR explored a spectrum of options for its long-term care operations. CGR recommends the county remain in the nursing home business for the time being, but initiate steps to downsize its 80-bed domiciliary (adult home); look for a partner to provide an assisted living program within...
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Options for Shared Police Services in the Villages of West Carthage and Carthage
CGR developed a report for the Villages of West Carthage and Carthage Shared Police Services Study Committee that identified a range of options for the two villages to improve delivery of police services currently being provided by their two separate departments. The options ranged from better coordinating operations of...
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Village of Holley & Town of Murray Shared Services/Consolidation Study
The Village of Holley NY, in partnership with the Town of Murray, engaged CGR to study the feasibility of enhancing shared services and/or consolidation in the areas of code enforcement, DPW / highway, purchasing and tax collection. As a result of our analyses, CGR found little opportunity in the areas...
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A Review of Shared Service Options in Addison, NY: Facilities, Maintenance and Fueling
The Addison NY Central School District, in partnership with the Town and Village of Addison, engaged CGR to study the feasibility of enhancing shared services in the areas of administrative office space, vehicle maintenance and fueling. CGR presented a baseline review of the partners’ municipal facilities and fleet operations,...
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A Review of Options for Ambulance Services in the Town of North Hempstead
CGR completed, in partnership with Hofstra University, a major research engagement that looked at current ambulance and emergency medical services for the Town of North Hempstead (population 220,000) in NY’s Nassau County, where fire departments represent the most numerous emergency medical providers in the community. CGR completed extensive data collection...
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Village of Brockport NY Dissolution Vote
On June 15, 2010, voters in the Village of Brockport rejected dissolving the village by a vote of 959-662. Brockport was the first village to hold a dissolution vote under a new NYS law that became effective in spring 2010. Unlike previous referendums on dissolving a village in the state,...
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Mid-Hudson Valley Community Profile
The Mid–Hudson Valley Community Profiles project represents a commitment by three of the region’s leading philanthropic organizations to provide the public with continuously updated comparative information regarding Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster counties. The project is designed to provide government and nonprofits with an important new tool for assessing and understanding...
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Economic Impact of University of Rochester and its Affiliates
An analysis of the University of Rochester and its affiliates (UR) shows the economic impact on the 5-county Rochester NY region is substantial, and today UR is not only the #1 regional employer but also NY's #6 employer. Other key findings for 2009: wages paid totaled nearly $1.25 billion, and...
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Herkimer-Oneida Community Indicators Project
The Herkimer and Oneida Counties Community Indicators website includes 80 indicators in 10 topic areas, ranging from arts to education to health to public safety. For this Central NY region, the website provides an opportunity for local nonprofits, municipalities and businesses to use fact-based information to establish shared...
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Sullivan County Building Healthy Communities Needs Assessment
For the Sullivan County (NY) Department of Public Health Services, CGR evaluated existing resources, unmet needs, barriers and stakeholder perceptions regarding physical activity and nutrition in the county. In addition to data analysis, the assessment included more than 20 interviews with key stakeholders and online surveys. The...
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Consolidation Options and Impacts for Chester, NJ: A Report to the Joint Consolidation Study Commission
Under authority provided by New Jersey law, the separate governing bodies of Chester township and Chester borough created a joint consolidation study commission to examine the feasibility and potential benefits of consolidating into a single municipality. CGR was engaged as study consultant to advise the commission.
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Community Status Report on Children: Establishing Baseline Measures and Investments for the 2010 Community Action Plan for Greater Rochester's Children
In late 2009, The Children’s Agenda, a nonprofit advocate for Rochester NY children, released its Community Action Plan for Greater Rochester’s Children. After the report’s release, local government and community leaders asked CGR and the Children’s Agenda to provide baseline measures so they could better understand how well the community...
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Municipal Services & Financial Overview - Township and Borough of Chester
Under authority provided by New Jersey law, the separate governing bodies of Chester township and Chester borough created a joint consolidation study commission to examine the feasibility and potential benefits of consolidating into a single municipality. CGR was engaged as study consultant to advise the commission.
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An Evaluation of the Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Community Mini-Grants Initiative
The Greater Rochester (NY) Health Foundation has a 10-year plan to combat childhood obesity and its Mini-Grant Initiative is part of this plan. Under the iniitiative, 129 community organizations (e.g., daycare centers, faith-based groups, schools and neighborhood programs) were awarded funding to increase physical activity and improve nutrition...
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An Evaluation and Enhancement Plan for the City of Rochester's Special Needs Housing Program: Emergency Shelter Grant and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
The City of Rochester NY seeks to target $1 million in special needs housing funds more strategically to best align with its Housing Policy and revitalization goals. CGR outlines a funding allocation model identifying priority funding categories and selection criteria. Our report also includes results from a community-wide survey of...
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Veterans in Rensselaer County: Understanding Needs and Local Solutions
CGR was engaged to conduct a county-wide needs assessment for veterans in Rensselaer County NY. As the veteran population changes so do their needs, and local communities are increasingly called upon to collaborate with the Veterans Administration (VA) to provide a network of support. CGR combined surveys and...
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Baseline Review of Ambulance Services and EMS in the Town of North Hempstead, NY
CGR completed, in partnership with Hofstra University, a major research engagement that looked at current ambulance and emergency medical services for the Town of North Hempstead (population 220,000) in NY’s Nassau County, where fire departments represent the most numerous emergency medical providers in the community. CGR completed extensive data collection...
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A Plan for Consolidation of the City and Town of Batavia, NY
After receiving a NYS grant to study consolidation and engaging CGR as study consultant, a joint Batavia City/Town Committee spent nearly a year investigating and assessing options for the future. In 2009 the Committee delivered its final report – a plan for consolidation with a proposed timetable and recommended approach...
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Village of Perrysburg Dissolution Feasibility Study: Final Report on Dissolution and Alternatives to Dissolution for the Village of Perrysburg
The Village of Perrysburg NY has a population of about 380 residents, covers one square mile, and in recent years has lost most of its private businesses. In 2009, CGR was engaged to complete a study identifying options for the village, up to and including dissolving the village and consolidating...
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Dissolution Study and Plan: Village of Port Henry, NY
In March 2010, voters in the Village of Port Henry, located in NY’s Adirondack Park, voted 186-146 against dissolving the village. Had voters approved dissolution, responsibility for providing services would have been assumed by the Town of Moriah per a dissolution plan developed by a joint village/town committee. CGR was...
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The Impact of AmeriCorps Builds Lives through Education (ABLE): Getting Things Done for Buffalo
An evaluation of Western NY AmeriCorps’ ABLE program (AmeriCorps Builds Lives through Education) found evidence of a strong community impact on the Buffalo region. CGR’s evaluation, which included surveys, focus groups, interviews, site visits, and data analysis, met requirements of the Corporation for National & Community Service. CGR also provided...
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Greenburgh/Dobbs Ferry Police Consolidation & Shared Services Study
After receiving a NYS grant to study consolidation and engaging CGR as study consultant, a joint Village/Town Steering Committee spent nearly a year investigating and assessing options for the future of the two police departments. In November 2009 the Committee delivered its final report to the Town and Village Boards...
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Providing Effective Crisis and Financial Stability Services: a Strategy Paper to Inform the United Way of Greater Rochester’s Blueprint for Change Process
The United Way of Greater Rochester seeks to target community resources more strategically through a well regarded Blueprint for Change process. CGR developed a strategy paper to help the United Way in its efforts to provide more effective crisis and financial stability services in Rochester and Monroe County NY. CGR’s...
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Village of North Collins Dissolution Feasibility Study: Final Report on Dissolution and Alternatives to Dissolution for the Village of North Collins
The Village of North Collins NY initiated a consolidation, merger and dissolution feasibility study in spring 2009. A dissolution study committee, assisted by CGR, prepared a report including a formal dissolution plan and alternatives to dissolution and delivered it to the Village board in late 2009. The board subsequently voted...
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Voices Together: A Community Conversation on Veterans' Reintegration in the Syracuse Region
Funding from Harris Beach law firm enabled CGR to conduct a day-long summit in fall 2009 on veteran’s reintegration issues in the Syracuse NY area. CGR's report on local priorities, service gaps and solutions are based on input provided by about 70 participants.
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Village of Seneca Falls Dissolution Plan: Final Report on Dissolution and Alternatives to Dissolution for the Village of Seneca Falls
The Village and Town of Seneca Falls NY initially engaged CGR to assess ways to achieve a major goal: reduce the cost of government to help stimulate economic growth in the community. CGR found, in a 2008 study, that consolidating the governments would offer potential for major savings for village...
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Feasibility of Creating a Central Business Office for Sullivan County BOCES and Component Districts
Faced with enrollment declines, increased operating expenses, and steep reductions in state aid, the Sullivan County (NY) BOCES engaged CGR to determine whether there are cost savings and efficiencies from combining business office functions for any of 7 participating school districts. CGR provides 4 models that give the districts...
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Fiscal Impact of Land Uses: Town of Amherst, NY
CGR was engaged by the Buffalo Niagara Builders Association to explore the fiscal consequences of new construction in the Town of Amherst, NY. The project entailed constructing a spreadsheet model that measures the impact on tax levies and tax rates of commercial and new home construction on the Town of...
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Long Island Regional Innovation Grant Project: Implementation Plan Recommendations
As part of the Town of Hempstead’s (NY) federally-funded Regional Innovation Grant, CGR produced a comprehensive review of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in Long Island’s entrepreneurial development and support network. The analysis identified economic clusters with the greatest business startup potential; assessed the degree to which entrepreneurs are...
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Village of Johnson City Dissolution Report and Plan Addendum August 31, 2009
In November 2009, voters in the Village of Johnson City NY rejected by a 40-vote margin (2,256 to 2,216) a referendum to dissolve the Village and consolidate it with the Town of Union. A study committee spent 18 months developing a plan for having one government. CGR provided staff...
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Growing the Physician Workforce: A Community Panel Examines the Challenges for Recruitment and Retention in the Fort Drum Region
The health of a region’s residents depends on the community’s ability to retain and recruit a full complement of health care professionals, which is a particular challenge in rural areas. CGR was engaged by the Community Foundation of Northern New York to document the deliberations and findings of the Physician...
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Community Services Benchmarking Summary
As part of a strategic planning process, the Town of Victor NY engaged CGR to perform a community service benchmarking study, comparing the town against a group of peer communities on a variety of fiscal, governmental and service delivery measures. The study’s purpose was not just to target the...
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Public vs. Private Sector Employee Benefits: A Summary Analysis of School and Local Government Union Contracts in Monroe County
CGR provides an analysis of employee health costs, paid time off and other fringe benefits for local government and school employees in Monroe County NY. We find taxpayers are funding health and paid time off benefits that typically exceed national averages. In some cases, the disparities are significant....
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Dutchess County ICA Community Health Survey - Final Report
In 2008, CGR was engaged by the Dutchess County Department of Health to conduct and analyze a survey of residents regarding the health of their communities. CGR surveyed a random sample of 1,000 residents, stratified by regions within the county. The survey focused on issues such as threats to community...
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ACT Rochester
A joint venture of the Rochester Area Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Rochester NY, this web-based ACT Community Profile encompasses 10 topics and more than 130 indicators measuring the community’s status in areas ranging from prenatal care for developing babies to affordable housing to the change...
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Capital Region Community Profile
CGR designed and created an interactive website featuring data, charts and analysis on more than 70 indicators measuring the health and vitality of the Greater Capital Region surrounding Albany, NY. Funded by the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, the Community Indicators project tracks strengths and challenges in the...
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Planning Service Alternatives for the Town of Canandaigua
The Canandaigua NY Town Board asked CGR to review its planning services and suggest alternative models. A growing community navigating the tensions of expanding residential development and desires for preservation, the town has experienced a 130% increase in expenditures for its planning, code, and zoning functions since 2000. CGR conducted...
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The Economic Impact of the New York State Mining and Construction Industry
The mining industry in New York is large and diverse, encompassing a range of commodities that support highway construction and repair, new housing, ice control, landscaping and other commercial activities. The NYS mining and construction materials industry was responsible for generating $1.2 to $1.3 billion in wages and 28,000 to...
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Long Island Regional Innovation Grant Project: Assessing Entrepreneurial Resources and Strategies
As part of the Town of Hempstead’s (NY) federally-funded Regional Innovation Grant, CGR produced a comprehensive review of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in Long Island’s entrepreneurial development and support network. The analysis identified economic clusters with the greatest business startup potential; assessed the degree to which entrepreneurs are...
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Consolidation Study for the Village of Albion, Town of Albion and Town of Gaines
Four-fifths of the Village of Albion is in the Town of Albion, and one fifth is in the Town of Gaines. A CGR study found limited opportunity for the three municipalities to generate significant cost savings through shared service agreements. However, if the Village and Town of Albion consolidate, overall...
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Collaborative Property Tax Administration in Albany County: A Review of Assessment and Tax Collection Options
In 2008, NYS provided grant funds to encourage counties to study how to streamline their local assessment and/or tax administration programs to promote efficiency, equity and transparency for taxpayers. Albany County was the only county in the state to analyze the assessment and tax administration program simultaneously. Recognizing the...
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A Review of Property Tax Assessment Options for Wayne County
In 2008, NYS provided grant funds to encourage counties to study how to streamline their local assessment programs to promote efficiency, equity and transparency for taxpayers. CGR helped Wayne County conduct an analysis of assessment operations to determine whether consolidation of local assessment offices would create efficiencies and/or equity....
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A Review of Property Tax Assessment Options for Chemung County
In 2008, NYS provided grant funds to encourage counties to study how to streamline their local assessment programs to promote efficiency, equity and transparency for taxpayers, and the county engaged CGR for the study. Chemung County, a leader in shared service and consolidation projects in NY, chose to analyze the...
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A Review of Property Tax Assessment Options for Orleans County
In 2008, NYS provided grant funds to encourage counties to study how to streamline their local assessment programs to promote efficiency, equity and transparency for taxpayers. Orleans County officials initiated a study as part of a continued effort to streamline assessment operations and create a more efficient system. ...
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A Review of Collaborative Options for Functions and Facilities: City of Tonawanda & Tonawanda City School District
For the City of Tonawanda NY and the Tonawanda City School District, CGR conducted a shared services study funded by a state grant. CGR made 10 recommendations in the functional areas of purchasing, maintenance and technology and also provided a cost/benefit analysis for a series of potential collaborative facility options.
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Village of Lake Placid/Town of North Elba Shared Services Study
CGR completed a study in 2008 for the Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba that evaluated opportunities to expand shared services between the village and town to reduce costs and share them more equitably. The study focused primarily on parks, public works and administrative...
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Independent Living in New York State: A Needs Assessment
A network of 35 nonprofit Independent Living Centers operate some 50 sites in NY that serve residents with disabilities. NYS has found these nonprofit organizations save taxpayers millions of dollars annually in avoided institutionalized care costs. In 2008, the centers’ statewide association engaged CGR to conduct a needs assessment. ...
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An Evaluation of the City of Rochester's Lead Law: 2006-2008
Rochester NY is the first U.S. city to have a housing inspection law that incorporates both visual inspections and dust wipes for rental units located in areas at high risk for lead paint problems. CGR conducted a 2-year study, funded by the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, of the impact of...
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Voices Together: Exploring Priority Needs and Solutions for Change in Veterans Reintegration
To help the Veterans Outreach Center serving the Greater Rochester NY region address veterans’ reintegration issues, CGR brought together 140 stakeholders in specially designed summits. Exposing veterans who had recently served in the military, family members and service providers to different perspectives, and having them work together to...
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Final Report on Strategic Alternatives for the Village & Town of Seneca Falls, NY: Considerations for a New Governance Model
The leaders of the Village & Town of Seneca Falls engaged CGR to help them achieve a major goal: reducing the cost of government to help stimulate economic growth in the greater community. They asked CGR to develop a strategic plan for implementing shared service alternatives up to and including...
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How Well Are We Doing? A Plan for Evaluation of 2-1-1 Service in New York State
NYS is implementing a regional network of 2-1-1 call centers. Part of a national movement, 2-1-1 will serve as the number to call to access community information and referral services for non-emergency situations. Working collaboratively with regional and state leaders, CGR identified 8 desired outcomes to provide 2-1-1 with...
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Opportunities for School District Savings in Nassau County
Through the impetus of County Executive Tom Suozzi, Nassau County set out to develop an action plan aimed at reducing the growth of property taxes. What distinguished this effort was the County’s focus on units of local government over which it had no direct control. Using a collaborative...
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A Study of Shared Service Opportunities for the Village and Town of Cobleskill, NY
The Village and Town of Cobleskill in NY’s Adirondack region received a state Shared Municipal Services Incentive (SMSI) grant to identify options for increased service sharing or consolidation. CGR’s report describes options in 3 key categories that could lead to increased efficiency and/or cost savings. The categories include sharing services...
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Fiscal Impact of Land Development Alternatives: Town of Aurora
The Town of Aurora in Erie County includes the historically significant Village of East Aurora, which features scenic views, natural resources, and a thriving tourism industry. In hopes of preserving the character, charm and economic viability of the village, town leaders engaged CGR to study how restricting residential development in...
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Assessment of the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene
Dutchess County NY, which frequently turns to CGR to assist with assessments involving its human services delivery system, engaged CGR to review the Department of Mental Hygiene. Over the years, selected in-house services have been contracted out to nonprofits due to county financial constraints and a need to reduce staffing...
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Economic Impact of State University of New York: Downstate Medical Center - Contributions to the Brooklyn Community
CGR was engaged by SUNY Downstate Medical Center (SUNY-DMC) to estimate the economic impact of SUNY-DMC on Brooklyn, the surrounding areas and New York State. Direct effects are for Brooklyn, NYC, and NYS; Indirect and induced effects are based on the five boroughs of NYC, plus Nassau, Westchester, Rockland, Union,...
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A Cost of Government Study for Northeast Ohio
CGR built a comprehensive cost and revenue database for local governments in the 16-county Northeast Ohio region and comparison regions in Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Raleigh-Durham. We put this “data dictionary” into an interactive, user-friendly web format to allow anyone to ask questions and develop answers from the...
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A Cost of Government Study for Northeast Ohio: Report Focus-Cuyahoga County
CGR built a comprehensive cost and revenue database for local governments in the 16-county Northeast Ohio region and comparison regions in Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Raleigh-Durham. We put this “data dictionary” into an interactive, user-friendly web format to allow anyone to ask questions and develop answers from the...
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A Cost of Government Study for Northeast Ohio: Report Focus-Mahoning and Trumbull Counties
CGR built a comprehensive cost and revenue database for local governments in the 16-county Northeast Ohio region and comparison regions in Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Raleigh-Durham. We put this “data dictionary” into an interactive, user-friendly web format to allow anyone to ask questions and develop answers from the...
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A Cost of Government Study for Northeast Ohio: Report Focus-Stark County
CGR built a comprehensive cost and revenue database for local governments in the 16-county Northeast Ohio region and comparison regions in Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Raleigh-Durham. We put this “data dictionary” into an interactive, user-friendly web format to allow anyone to ask questions and develop answers from the...
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Strengthening Criminal Justice System Practices in Chemung County, NY – An Update
Chemung County asked CGR to provide a follow-up to our 2006 report on ways to strengthen criminal justice practices in the county. The update was completed 15 months after release of the original report.
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Fiscal Impact Analysis & Economic Development Plan for the City of Gahanna, Ohio
For the Columbus, Ohio suburb of Gahanna, CGR developed an interactive model that forecasts the net property and income tax revenue for alternative development scenarios. The model also estimates the impact of tax abatements of variable length and magnitude, adjusting for offsetting payments to school districts. With this tool, the City can “test” the...
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Consolidating Police Services in Whitestown, New York - Options for the Future
Five communities in Oneida County – the Town of Whitestown, and the Villages of Yorkville, New York Mills, Whitesboro and Oriskany – had discussed off and on over the years consolidating their separate police departments. CGR was engaged to provide, for the first time, comprehensive information that can serve as...
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Opportunities to Use Shared Services and Consolidation Strategies to Improve Efficiency, Effectiveness and Equity in Local Government Observations from Three City/Town Groups in Upstate New York
NY’s Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness engaged CGR to analyze local governments (city and town) in the Oneonta, Norwich and Cortland areas and evaluate opportunities to share services and/or consolidate. CGR’s report of the issues and options in the 3 city/town groups focuses attention on workable and realistic...
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Village of Speculator Dissolution Plan and Options for Shared Services: Findings and Alternatives
In response to a resident-initiated petition to dissolve the Village of Speculator in NY’s Adirondack region, Village leaders were required by state law to develop a dissolution plan and present it to Village voters. CGR was engaged to study all options for shared services up to and including dissolution of...
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Job Creation and New York State IDAs: A Response to the Jobs with Justice Report
Industrial development agencies (IDAs), the primary economic development entities in most NY communities, turned to CGR for independent analysis related to two key issues. First, proposals before the NY Legislature would require projects funded by IDAs to pay construction workers prevailing, instead of market, wage. Second, a 2007 report by...
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Economic Impact of the University of Rochester Medical Center's Strategic Plan
CGR estimates the economic and fiscal impact of the new 5-year strategic plan of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) on the economy of the Rochester NY region. We estimate URMC’s $300 million in planned construction projects will generate almost $270 million in construction-related wages involving 7,000 local jobs...
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AmeriCorps: Planning for the Future
At the request of the Rochester NY AmeriCorps, CGR identified internal management process improvement opportunities. CGR held focus groups with staff and conducted surveys of program alumni, and found the program is widely viewed as successful. CGR recommended, however, that AmeriCorps staff increase their presence at host sites, better educate...
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Prevailing Wage in New York State: The Impact on Project Cost and Competitiveness
Industrial development agencies (IDAs), the primary economic development entities in most NY communities, turned to CGR for independent analysis related to two key issues. First, proposals before the NY Legislature would require projects funded by IDAs to pay construction workers prevailing, instead of market, wage. Second, a 2007 report by...
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A Tale of Two Suburbs: A Comparative Analysis of the Cost of Local Government in Long Island and in Northern Virginia
In 2007, CGR conducted a landmark comparison of local governments on Long Island with a comparable area in northern Virginia. Local government services, including schools, cost 44% less in NVA, although the level of services and citizen satisfaction with those services appear comparable. A detailed comparison of school districts and...
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An Evaluation of the City of Rochester’s Lead Law: Year One Report
Rochester NY is the first U.S. city to have a housing inspection law that incorporates both visual inspections and dust wipes for rental units located in areas at high risk for lead paint problems. CGR conducted a 2-year study, funded by the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, of the impact of...
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Seneca County Community Profile 2007: How Well Are We Doing?
A broad-based partnership in Seneca County (NY) – engaged in a strategic planning process designed to set community priorities, determine future resource allocations, and effect needed community change – turned to CGR for assistance. In conjunction with the partnership, CGR developed a county profile that documents demographic trends affecting the...
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Childhood Overweight Obesity Monroe County Elementary School Readiness
The Greater Rochester Health Foundation, formed in 2006, has identified elementary schools as key to addressing childhood overweight and obesity issues, and is seeking to promote strategies involving increased physical activity and improved nutrition. The foundation turned to CGR to conduct a multi-faceted survey of practices, policies and attitudes in...
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Proposed Natural Gas Expansion Into Franklin County, NY: Economic and Fiscal Impacts
In 2007, CGR completed an analysis of the economic and fiscal impacts of the proposed gas line extension by St. Lawrence Gas Company Inc. into Franklin County NY.
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Access to Subsidized Child Care in Monroe County, NY
Between 2001 and early 2007 the average number of child care slots per month filled by Monroe County (NY) children receiving child care subsidies declined by about 38%, from about 13,575 to 8,400. The decline was fueled primarily by three factors: 1) Monroe County lowered the income eligibility rate from...
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County Nursing Facilities in New York State Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities
In 2007 CGR was asked to update a study completed 10 years earlier for the County Nursing Facilities of New York Inc. (CNFNY). The original study resulted in a report, What Should Be Done with County Nursing Facilities in New York State?, which presented factual information about the county facilities...
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Growing the Economy in the Greater Rochester Region; Drawing on the Competencies of the Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes Wired, one of the first 13 federally designated “Wired” regions in the country funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to support economic development and transform regional economies, engaged CGR to identify key competencies in its 9-county region and recommend strategies to capitalize on them.
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Costs and Benefits of Noble Chateaugay and Bellmont Windparks: Issues for County of Franklin IDA's Consideration
New York’s Franklin County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) asked CGR to conduct an economic impact study of an 86-tower wind farm project proposed for two towns. CGR assessed the number of jobs the construction phase will generate (332 jobs, direct and spillover), construction-related job earnings ($16 million) and the number...
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Worksite Wellness in Rochester, NY: Part I - Best Practices and Lessons Learned & Part II - Survey Results
CGR was engaged by the Rochester Business Alliance to complete a two-part study on worksite wellness issues. Part I included a summary of worksite wellness metrics and best practices based on findings in the literature, identified examples of worksite wellness initiatives nationwide, and described important resources available to employers of...
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Policy Alternatives Supporting Deployment of Broadband Services in Rural Areas of New York State
Late in 2006, CGR was approached by Empire State Development and asked to compile information that had been gathered by a state agency taskforce on rural access to broadband Internet. With the support of the taskforce, CGR prepared a report that described the current state of broadband access, explored the...
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Rochester Housing Authority Tenant Profile Numbers and Trends for the Years 1999 & 2007
The Rochester Housing Authority asked CGR to develop the agency's first ever "tenant profile," so that the agency has a comprehensive understanding of the Public Housing and Section 8 tenants it serves. The profile covers the year 1999 (and related census data) and shows how the profile changed by early...
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Economic Impact of CIMS Sustainability Institute
A new Sustainability Institute focused on sustainable design and manufacturing, fuel cell research, and renewable energy research has been proposed for Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The institute would be part of RIT’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing Systems (CIMS). CGR explored the potential impact of the new institute on the...
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Profile of Seniors in the Six-County Greater Rochester Region: Demographic Analysis
The Rochester Area Community Foundation (RACF) assessed civic engagement opportunities and constraints for older citizens in the six-county Rochester region. As part of this project, RACF contracted with CGR to develop a demographic profile of the region's 60+ seniors, and provide some targeted data on the next younger age group.
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Program Impact Evaluations for the City of Rochester: Mortgage Default Resolution, Landlord-Tenant, and Fair Housing Electronic Resource Services
For the Department of Community Development (DCD), we evaluated four programs that provide mortgage default resolution services, landlord and tenant services, and a fair housing electronic resource center. Services in these areas have been provided for years by four nonprofit agencies in Rochester (Human Services Council, Legal Aid Society, Monroe...
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Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection Evaluation Performance Assessment: 2006 Update and Future Implications
The Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, established in 1987, works with at-risk students in the Rochester and Syracuse NY public school districts, with the goal of keeping students in school through graduation. Recently, with support from the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, CGR completed its third assessment of the program. In the latest...
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Sharing Promising System Reform Strategies: A Resource Manual Describing Nassau County's No Wrong Door Staff Development Initiative
Nassau County is pioneering a new approach to human service delivery via an innovative, multi-year initiative called "No Wrong Door." The goal is to make it possible for a client entering the public service system through any door to gain access to any other needed county or community services. CGR...
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Clinical and Translational Science Award: Economic Impact of Award and Spillover Effects
CGR explored the catalytic effects, both on the University of Rochester Medical Center and the larger community, of URMC's selection by the National Institutes of Health as one of the first 12 Clinical and Translational Science Institutes. The NIH designation, and accompanying grant award, are designed to enable URMC...
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Tobacco Behavior in Sullivan County: A Survey of Residents
CGR was contracted by the Sullivan County Tobacco Free Coalition to conduct a phone survey of F County residents to assess their knowledge, opinions and behaviors related to tobacco issues. This report describes the survey methodology and findings.
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Reforming New York's Property Tax: Conference Summary
In January 2007, CGR sponsored a forum in Albany NY on reforming New York's property tax. Among the standing-room-only audience members who listened and debated the different options proposed by well-respected experts were members of the NYS Senate and Assembly, state agency representatives and policy experts. CGR subsequently developed a...
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The Benefits of New York State's Preferred Source Legislation: An Economic Analysis
NYS Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) engaged CGR to revisit our 1999 benefit-cost analysis of "preferred source legislation" that encourages state agencies to purchase products from organizations providing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. CGR weighed the benefit of reduced social service expenditures for NYSID agency clients against the cost...
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Technology Needs Assessment Preparing for Tech Valley Occupations in the School Districts of the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES
New York's Tech Valley cuts across 19 counties in the state's northeast quadrant, and a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and its 31 component school districts asked CGR to help them identify how best to prepare students for future high tech jobs.
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The Rochester High Falls District Looking to the Future
After reviewing the City of Rochester’s role in the High Falls area since it was first proposed as an historic district in the 1980s, CGR recommended the City assert High Falls’ success as an office park; end subsidies for the Center at High Falls/Brown’s Race Market complex; begin conversations to...
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MASTER CONTRACTING WITH COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROVIDERS: A Tool to Simplify Administration and Promote Outcome-Focused, Integrated Services
CGR was commissioned by the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities to prepare a resource paper on master contracting because of the unique expertise of CGR staff in this area. Master contracting is an administrative tool to combine government contracts within a single provider to both simplify...
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Building Partnerships For An Aging Community: 2006-2008 Strategic Plan for the Schenectady County Long Term Care Consortium
CGR helped the Schenectady County Long Term Care Consortium develop its first-ever strategic plan. CGR analyzed demographic data on the senior population in the county, conducted focus groups with providers and consumers to define major issues facing seniors, and facilitated a collaborative process for the consortium to review data and...
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Information & Referral: How Well are We Doing? A Model for Evaluation of 2-1-1 Services
CGR assisted the Finger Lakes 2-1-1 Collaborative in developing an evaluation model to gauge progress toward key outcomes and measures. CGR collected information on six established 2-1-1 systems across the country to identify best practices and challenges in measuring the performance of 2-1-1 operations.
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Solutions for New York The Economic Significance of Independent Colleges and Universities in New York State
New York's higher education sector - including world-renowned Columbia, New York and Cornell universities - has long been acknowledged as a center of scholarship and culture. Now higher education is being recognized for having an economic impact as well. CGR was engaged by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities...
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The Nonprofit Sector: A Vital Economic Force in the Mid-Hudson Valley
New York's Mid-Hudson Valley is home to nonprofit institutions that enrich the quality of life of residents - including museums, foundations, colleges, hospitals and human service agencies. These same community institutions also contribute to the economic life of the region. The Dyson Foundation reached out to CGR to tally...
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Fiscal Impact of Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Safe Housing Act - Impact on NYS and Local Governments
As a coalition of groups worked to pass lead abatement legislation in the NYS Legislature, CGR was asked to draft the "fiscal note" that accompanies legislation slated for a vote. The "fiscal note" assesses the net impact of the proposed legislation on all levels of government.
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An Assessment of the Chemung County, NY, Juvenile Justice System
CGR assessed Chemung County's Criminal & Juvenile Justice system practices and their impact on the jail population, and also programs and initiatives designed to reduce juvenile justice system detentions and out-of-home placements. CGR identified seven key strategies the County can use to reduce the average jail census by at...
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Assessing Human Services Needs in Rockland County A Community Survey
CGR worked with the United Way of Rockland County to develop and conduct a survey of county residents to provide an assessment of Rockland County resident needs in the areas of health and human services.
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Strengthening Criminal Justice System Practices in Chemung County, NY
CGR assessed Chemung County's Criminal & Juvenile Justice system practices and their impact on the jail population, and also programs and initiatives designed to reduce juvenile justice system detentions and out-of-home placements. CGR identified seven key strategies the County can use to reduce the average jail census by at...
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The Geneseo Town Centre An Economic and Fiscal Impact Assessment of the Proposed Lowe's
The exurban community of Geneseo, NY, is caught in a debate between residents who want to maintain neighborhood-scale, locally-owned retail concentrated in a village setting and residents who see benefit in becoming a market center for the surrounding area and welcome larger-scale retail development. CGR was engaged by the town...
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Buffalo Literacy Campaign Focus Groups with Target Populations
For a Buffalo, NY coalition that is working to bring about systemic changes in the way literacy services are provided in the city, CGR conducted focus groups with target populations.
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City of Buffalo Literacy Needs Assessment
A coalition of more than 40 groups is engaged in bringing about systemic changes in the way literacy services are provided in Buffalo, NY, and called upon CGR to conduct a citywide needs assessment.
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Capital Pork: How State Politicians Divvy Up Billions for Favored Capital Projects
CGR analyzed the $1.7 billion in grants (all borrowed funds) handed out since 1997 by New York State legislators for “capital” projects. This first-ever geographic analysis found stark differences in benefits for regions and interest groups; secret agreements among top state leaders; fewer checks on spending than other states; and...
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An Evaluation of the Neighborhood Empowerment Team (NET) Office in the City of Rochester Options for the Future
In 1997, the City of Rochester introduced a new organization – the Neighborhood Empowerment Team (NET) Office - to focus resources to improve the quality of life in City neighborhoods. NET created six satellite offices throughout the City where code enforcement personnel and police officers work jointly with neighborhood...
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Long Island Index 2006 Special Analysis Report Analysis of Governmental Expenditures and Revenues on Long Island 1998-2003
CGR examined expenditure and revenue information for 359 units of local government on Long Island. This data was incorporated into a report published in 2006 entitled the Long Island Index, a status report on the Long Island region which engages the community to think about the future. The...
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Northeast Joint Fire District Planning Study - 2006 to 2026 Staffing, Equipment and Facilities Needs for the Next Twenty Years
CGR studied the need for an additional fire house in the North East Joint Fire District and recommended that a new station be built near the intersection of Schlegel and Phillips roads. The study recommended that a pumper and light rescue vehicle be housed at the new station, estimated to...
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Children in Broome County with Co-Occurring Mental Health and Developmental Disability Conditions Numbers and Service Gaps
Broome County (NY) Children's Mental Health Task Force, comprised of a cross-section of government, non-profit service agency, education and mental health representatives, commissioned CGR to identify the numbers, characteristics and needs of county children and adolescents who have both mental health and developmental disability conditions. In 2005, CGR identified approximately...
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Strengthening Alternatives to Incarceration Programs and Criminal Justice System Practices in Steuben County
In a study for Steuben County, CGR identified changes the county can implement that will reduce the jail population by an estimated 30 inmates (or more) per day, saving county taxpayers at least $876,000 annually. At the time of the study, the jail operated at or near capacity, and county...
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Reducing Juvenile Crime and Delinquency in the City of Schenectady - A Needs Assessment and Recommended Directions
CGR has recently worked with the City and County of Schenectady to thoroughly analyze and assess juvenile delinquency issues and risk factors and to help develop recommended directions to reduce juvenile crime. Prepared for the Juvenile Crime Enforcement Coalition, this study reveals substantial risk factors for and a growing incidence...
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Youth/Emerging Worker Focus Groups: Monroe County Youth Ages 14-21
RochesterWorks and the MC Youth Council are in the process of redesigning job training and employment services to youth ages 14-21. They wanted to obtain input directly from youth on what they feel they need in terms of training--what type of training, where do they want to go to...
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An Assessment of the Village of Westhampton Beach Police Department: Options for the Future
CGR studied the staffing and configuration of the Westhampton Police Department and found that it had a sufficient number of police officers (in fact, it was above a recommended ratio, but residents appear willing to fund a high level of service) but that it could consider adding officers and supervisors...
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Rochester Police Department Patrol Division Reorganization: An Interim Evaluation
CGR studied the impact of the Rochester Police Department's patrol sector reorganization for the six months after it was implemented and found that response time had been cut by an average of 10 percent and $940,000 in overtime costs had been saved. The study did not determine whether officers...
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The Center for Dispute Settlement Child Permanency Mediation Program: A Survey of Stakeholders and Key Program Participants
The Center for Dispute Settlement hired CGR to conduct a survey of stakeholders and participants in its Child Permanency Mediation Program. The survey found most respondents said the program created an environment for meaningful exchange and identified issues amenable to mediation, but fewer said the program was effective in developing...
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Seneca Niagara Casino: Fiscal & Economic Impact on Niagara Falls, NY
Engaged by Empire State Development Corporation (through its USA Niagara Development subsidiary), CGR assessed the net economic and fiscal impact of the Seneca Niagara Casino on the City of Niagara Falls. CGR identified significant positive economic impact for the Niagara Falls region, although observed that the benefit was limited...
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Opportunities to Improve the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Records Management Processes in the City of Rochester
For the City of Rochester NY, CGR identified opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of records management processes. In 2005, CGR reviewed the flow of electronic and paper records between departments and the city’s Information Systems and Record Archives Center, and specifically targeted three departments – police, code enforcement,...
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Planning For the Future-Improving Rockland County's Delivery of Human Services Findings and Recommendations
Through a collaborative effort with a 25-member Task Force, CGR completed a comprehensive analysis of Rockland County’s largest human service departments - DSS, Health, Mental Health and Probation. This report presents 10 recommendations to bring about a more customer-focused, efficient and effective delivery system. Recommendations focus on organizational, service response,...
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Rockland County Community Health Assessment
CGR was engaged to conduct the 2005-2010 Community Health Assessment for the Rockland County Health Department. CGR conducted a series of focus groups with a wide range of community groups, conducted selected interviews with individuals, and designed and conducted a survey with a convenience sample of the general population. CGR...
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Erie County Fleet Maintenance Centers: Site and Staffing Options
CGR found Erie County could reduce the number of garages serving its fleet of 1,000 government vehicles to eight and still meet maintenance service needs as well as quick response time objectives. This was a follow-up to a February 2003 study of county operations that said improving fleet maintenance could...
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Wilmot Cancer Center: Economic Impact of Current & Proposed Operation
In preparation for a major capital campaign, URMC engaged CGR to assess the likely economic impact of a dramatic increase in the clinical and research activity stimulated by an expansion of the Wilmot Cancer Center.
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Feasibility of Creating a Central Business Office in the Schuyler-Chemung-Tioga BOCES Region
CGR recommended the creation of a central business office among the districts within the Schuyler-Chemung-Tioga BOCES district. Centralization would save more than $434,000 a year, or 55 percent of current expenses. It would also expand safeguards protecting against accounting problems, improve management and integrity of fiscal information, and expand access...
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Disaster Planning Needs Assessment for the North Greece Fire District
CGR completed a Disaster Planning Needs Assessment for the North Greece Fire District, which serves the largest service area in Monroe County NY. The project involved surveying paper, electronic and microfilm records; identifying records vital to district operations; identifying related risks and vulnerabilities; assessing current disaster recovery practices in place;...
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Thinking Beyond Boundaries: Opportunities to Use Regional and Local Strategies to Strengthen Public Education in the Broome-Tioga Region
CGR conducted a major study for the 15 school districts in NY’s Broome-Tioga BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) that evaluated opportunities for reducing costs and improving services by sharing services, consolidating districts or merging. The study, completed in 2004, identified a large number of opportunities for the...
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Rochester Safe Start 2004 Community Assessment Children's Exposure to Violence in Rochester & Monroe County, NY
Rochester Safe Start, a federal demonstration project, hired CGR to update a 2000 report on violence affecting young children. CGR found data on crime, police service calls, domestic violence calls to Lifeline, and reports of child abuse and neglect offered a conflicting and unclear picture of the trends in violence...
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Building a More Cohesive and Effective Human Service System in Dutchess County: Recommendations to the County Executive
Engaged by Dutchess County, CGR developed an integrated and cost-efficient strategy for health and human services both within and across county departments.
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Pathways to Better Police-Community Relations in Rochester
CGR conducted a detailed analysis of police-community relations in Rochester. Among its various aspects, the study has focused on relationships of the police department with the courts and District Attorney’s office. One component of the study was an analysis of the impact of Drug Court as it relates...
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Rochester Downtown Casino: An Economic & Social Impact Assessment
A casino in downtown Rochester was proposed as partial settlement of a land claim from an Oklahoma-based Indian nation, the Seneca-Cayuga of Oklahoma. CGR was engaged by the nation’s representative, the Wilmorite development corporation, to assess the fiscal, economic and social impacts of the casino on the Rochester...
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Records Disaster Planning and Recovery for the Newark Housing Authority
CGR studied ways to improve the records management program of the Newark Housing Authority. The report recommended that the authority replace an agency safe, buy additional fireproof cabinets, move records now on media to another location, begin a microfilm program for permanent records, and change a range of office practices...
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Balance of Revenue & Expenditure Among NYS Regions: Fiscal Years 4/1/97-3/31/98 Thru 4/1/00-3/31/01
CGR analyzed information from various sources, including four years of the General Ledger of the State of New York , to trace the revenue and expenditures of New York’s budget by region. Contrary to the beliefs of many upstate residents, CGR’s study confirmed the conclusion of an earlier CGR analysis,...
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An Assessment of Alternatives for Incarceration Programs for Ontario County, NY: Impact for Future
In 2004, CGR completed an analysis for Ontario County of its alternative to incarceration programs. The evaluation focused on the extent to which the alternative programs were being used, the interrelationships of the alternative programs to each other and with the overall Criminal & Juvenile Justice system, and the...
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Thinking Beyond Municipal Boundaries - Cost Reduction Opportunities
CGR provided an array of examples of how to use economies of scale to reduce costs in the Buffalo region. Using information from the New York State's Comptroller's office, CGR found that the greater community could reduce annual costs by $8.2 million to $9.9 million by acting as...
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The Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection: Charting a Course for the Future
CGR evaluated the Work-Scholarship Connection, which was established to help youth at risk of dropping out of school succeed academically. The program provides its students with youth advocates, a range of support services, enrichment workshops and, for some, part-time job opportunities and worksite mentors. The Work-Scholarship Connection currently...
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Erie County: State of the Child & Family
In 2002, Joel A. Giambra, Erie County Executive, engaged CGR to lead the county’s Blueprint for Change Initiative. This project included three components: 1) examining the current operations of the county’s human service agencies and recommending organizational and service delivery improvements that will result in more cost-effective, integrated, and...
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Wraparound Demonstration Project: An Alternative to Out-of-Home Placement for Youth at Risk
In 2002, Joel A. Giambra, Erie County Executive, engaged CGR to lead the county’s Blueprint for Change Initiative. This project included three components: 1) examining the current operations of the county’s human service agencies and recommending organizational and service delivery improvements that will result in more cost-effective, integrated, and...
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Evaluating Service Learning at RIT: Students Working with Neighbors Building Neighborhoods: A Summary of Evaluation Findings
CGR was engaged by RIT to help design and evaluate the impact of renovations of a portion of the University course curriculum developed to focus more on hands-on learning for students in a community-based “learn and serve” environment.
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A Blueprint for Change: Restructuring Erie County Government to Improve the Impact and Effectiveness of Services to Children and Families
In 2002, Joel A. Giambra, Erie County Executive, engaged CGR to lead the county’s Blueprint for Change Initiative. This project included three components: 1) examining the current operations of the county’s human service agencies and recommending organizational and service delivery improvements that will result in more cost-effective, integrated, and...
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Transforming Medicaid: Options for New York, Making Medicaid more Effective and Efficient
In the mid-1990’s, New York State faced a Medicaid crisis and the new governor at the time, George Pataki, created the Comprehensive Medicaid Task Force, to study Medicaid and make cost-containment recommendations. At the same time, CGR and the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) studied the underlying...
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Reorganizing the Rochester Police Department: An Analysis of the Rochester, NY Police Department Patrol Division
Since the 1970's, the Rochester New York Police Department had been working under an organizational structure of seven patrol sections. Changing crime trends and the need to build a more responsive and effective police department prompted the department to look at reorganizing. As recommended by CGR, the department will be...
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Schenectady County Community Profile 2003: How Well Are We Doing? Compiled by Capital Region BOCES
CGR compiled information for an in-depth community profile of Schenectady County showing how the county was doing in a wide range of areas affecting the quality of life for Schenectady residents. The report presented data on 59 indicators showing the county's status in achieving success by six, building futures for...
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Re-Thinking Service Delivery Strategies For PINS And JD Youth And Their Families In Monroe County - August 2003
CGR assisted Monroe County Department of Human Services, the Monroe County Office of Probation-Community Corrections, Family Court, the education system, and other Monroe County stakeholders in an eight-month process to extend its efforts to reduce out of home placements to all youth involved in the Juvenile Justice system. ...
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The Rochester Community Physician Workforce - Factors Effecting Recruitment And Retention - July 2003
The Rochester Physician Workforce Task Force (Task Force), engaged CGR to conduct an analysis of the physician workforce in the six-county Rochester, NY region. The Task Force was concerned that existing data did not sufficiently measure supply nor identify the root causes of physicians leaving the Rochester area. This analysis...
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Cooperate, Collaborate, Consolidate: Options for Local Government in Monroe County
In the spring of 2003, CGR assisted the Council of Local Governments and a group of local business leaders identify opportunities for reducing local government costs through increased inter-governmental cooperation. As part of this work, CGR developed an analytic framework for identifying areas of common revenues and expense and...
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Cost Trends In Selected Consumer Goods and Necessities-Rochester, NY 2003 Update - June 2003
CGR looked at consumer expenditures for selected energy sources as a proportion of total annual income in eight comparison states.
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Propelling Rochester's 21st Century Economy - The Economic Impact of RIT
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a major contributor to the Rochester and NYS economies. CGR worked closely with RIT staff to gather data from the full array of RIT programs, capturing the impact of RIT purchases, staff and student spending, visitor spending, grant receipts and other financial impacts,...
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Survey of Community Opinions - Town of Mendon Comprehensive Plan Update
CGR developed and administered the first Internet-based survey in Mendon's history, gauging residents' opinions on issues for the Town's comprehensive planning process. The survey revised one last completed by the Town in 1991, and supplements the ongoing review of Mendon's land use development plan. CGR facilitated meetings of...
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An Evaluation Of Family Focus Even Start: Year Four (2002 - 2003) - Livingston County - July 2003
This was a three year evaluation of the Livingston County Even Start program. The evaluation involved surveys and interviews with staff, enrolled families and partner agencies, a focus group with the advisory board, and evaluation of performance indicators. Additional information on the program operations and the process evaluation is...
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Rochester and Monroe County Community Profile: How Well Are We Doing?
CGR provided multi-year assistance to the United Way of Greater Rochester in the development and implementation of a community-wide profile for Monroe County (NY). CGR’s work in this area was supported by the local United Way, area foundations, the City of Rochester and Monroe County. The first community profile,...
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Parental Workforce Participation and Childcare for Children Under Six in Monroe County - Formal and Informal Care, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Children - April 2003
The Rochester/Monroe County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and its Welfare to Work subcommittee engaged CGR to conduct a study of child care in Monroe County. This study provides a “snapshot” of child care in Monroe County in terms of workforce participation. While CGR and the Welfare to Work committee believe...
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RIT Climate Study - Perceptions of Faculty, Students and Staff - April 2003
In its continuing efforts to improve all aspects of campus life, RIT is striving to become a more racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse university. As part of that process, RIT engaged CGR to conduct an objective baseline assessment of how faculty, staff, and students perceive the current campus environment....
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Assessing the Impact of Merging the Police Departments of the Village of Angola and Town of Evans: Service and Cost Implications
CGR conducted a study in 2003 to evaluate whether or not it would be beneficial to merge the village and town police departments. The study concluded that annual savings of $140,000 per year could be achieved, depending on the final service agreement reached between the village and the town. The...
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North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center
CGR facilitated a roundtable discussion of 17 experts in the field of children's emotional health services from across the nation for North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center in Nassau County NY. North Shore, a not-for-profit agency providing comprehensive mental health, alcoholism, and drug abuse treatment services to children and...
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Evaluation of SHARED Participant Progress on Behavioral Change: Analysis of Action Plan
Project SHARED was a community collaborative designed to provide socially and culturally appropriate healthcare services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals with health risks in Monroe County. CGR was hired to provide assistance to the collaborative in study design issues, survey instrument design, and data analysis.
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Survey of Employer's Skill and Occupational Needs, and Recommendations for Action for the Finger Lakes WIB - February 2003
CGR conducted a labor market information scan and an employer survey to identify information gaps the WIB could then begin to address in its strategic planning process.
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Profile of the Hispanic/Latino Population in Monroe County 1970-2000 - 2003 Update - March 2003
CGR was asked to update an earlier study, analyzing selected Census trend data for Monroe County’s Hispanic/Latino population. Characteristics of the Hispanic population living in Monroe County were analyzed using decennial Census data for the years 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2003.
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Health & Bioscience as Engine of Economic Growth: Case Studies of Academic Medical Centers & Their Economic Impact
CGR updated prior assessments of the economic impact on Rochester of the URMC expansion, prepared six case studies of the role academic medical centers play in their local economies and assessed the net impact of graduate medical education (GME) on the Rochester area. For the third component, CGR summed...
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Changes in Total Spending and Spending on Children - 2001-2003 Monroe County Budgets - November 2002
The Children’s Agenda, a nonpartisan, independent research and education group, asked CGR to provide an analysis of the 2003 Monroe County proposed budget, and the 2002 and 2001 amended budgets in terms of components that directly or indirectly (but significantly) affect children. The Children’s Agenda was interested in a detailed...
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Blue Ribbon Commission on Monroe County Finances - Report to the Monroe County Legislature - November 2002
CGR provided staff support to the Monroe County Blue Ribbon Commission on county finances.
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Building a New Foundation: The University of Rochester Medical Center in the Regional Economy
CGR updated prior assessments of the economic impact on Rochester of the URMC expansion, prepared six case studies of the role academic medical centers play in their local economies and assessed the net impact of graduate medical education (GME) on the Rochester area. For the third component, CGR summed...
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Evaluation of Hudson Even Start - 2001-2002 School Year - August 2002
CGR conducted a one year evaluation of the City of Hudson Even Start program.
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Self-Reported Anticipated Impacts of Proposed 2002 and 2003 Monroe County Budget Cuts - Rochester Human Service Organizations - August 2002
The United Way funds programs across nearly 80 human services agencies in Monroe County, and is concerned about the impact of proposed Monroe County budget cuts on these agencies and their clients. CGR was asked to conduct a survey of the agencies in conjunction with the United Way, in order...
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Broome County Visioning Project for Children and Adolescents - An Assessment of What Exists and Service Gaps - July 2002
CGR coordinated a year-long research and community-based planning process which resulted in 2002 in a detailed action plan to expand and improve mental health and related services to children and adolescents, and their families, in Broome County. The primary focus of the county and state Office of Mental Health-funded...
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Lead Poisoning Among Young Children in Monroe County - A Needs Assessment, Projection Model, and Next Steps- May 2002
The County of Monroe and other local stakeholders including the City of Rochester, landlords, Human Services agencies, and individual advocates are searching ways to target resources to protect the most children possible, in the shortest period of time. CGR was asked to (1) use Monroe County Health Department data on...
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An Evaluation of Family Focus Even Start: Year Three (2001-2002) Livingston County - June 2002
This was a three year evaluation of the Livingston County Even Start program. The evaluation involved surveys and interviews with staff, enrolled families and partner agencies, a focus group with the advisory board, and evaluation of performance indicators. Additional information on the program operations and the process evaluation is...
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After-School Inventory - Results of Monroe County After-School Provider Survey - June 2002
The Greater Rochester After-School Alliance commissioned CGR to conduct the first comprehensive survey of after-school providers throughout Monroe County. The survey focused on understanding the organizational climate of these programs, location, characteristics of those served, staffing issues, activities provided, and impact on children served. Completed responses were obtained...
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A Needs Assessment of Access to the Poison and Drug Information Center - The Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Migrant Worker Populations - June 2002
CGR assisted the Finger Lakes Regional Poison and Drug Information Center in improving its services to the deaf and hard of hearing. By conducting a multi-county needs assessment through the use of focus groups and expert interviews, CGR was able to provide broad focus areas as well as a specialized...
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Closing Indian Point: The Physical Threat
CGR staffed the Westchester Public Issues Institute, aimed at studying public issues affecting the lower Hudson Valley. In 2002, CGR studied the impact of the closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plants and conducted a survey of Westchester businesses on the impact of high Human Services prices on...
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Closing Indian Point: Implications for NYC Metro Energy Supply
CGR staffed the Westchester Public Issues Institute, aimed at studying public issues affecting the lower Hudson Valley. In 2002, CGR studied the impact of the closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plants and conducted a survey of Westchester businesses on the impact of high Human Services prices on...
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Coordinated Children's Services Initiative (CCSI) in New York State: Implementation Status & Future Directions
CGR completed the first comprehensive assessment of this statewide interagency approach that enhances county efforts to create integrated systems of care, and support services designed to help children at risk of residential placement remain in their homes. CCSI promotes a set of core principles at state and local levels...
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Net Financial Impact of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester, NY- May 2002
CGR updated prior assessments of the economic impact on Rochester of the URMC expansion, prepared six case studies of the role academic medical centers play in their local economies and assessed the net impact of graduate medical education (GME) on the Rochester area. For the third component, CGR summed...
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The High Cost of Housing: A Survey of Employers & Employees in Westchester County - The Westchester Public Issues Institute
CGR staffed the Westchester Public Issues Institute, aimed at studying public issues affecting the lower Hudson Valley. In 2002, CGR studied the impact of the closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plants and conducted a survey of Westchester businesses on the impact of high Human Services prices on...
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Streamlining and Strengthening Services for Children, Youth and Families in Tioga County
Intrigued by Albany County’s decision to form a new Department for Children, Youth, and Families, Tioga County secured the assistance of Meridian Consulting Services and now CGR to help the County review its current operations and develop a new organizational structure for children and families. Our staff is now...
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Small Business: Big Challenge- A Survey of Small Firms in Upstate New York
CGR assisted the Federal Reserve Bank of NY, Buffalo Branch, in the design and implementation of a survey of small business firms in Upstate NY, identifying key barriers to growth and profitability for this important part of the economy.
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What Westchester's New York Address Does to Local Taxes - The Westchester Public Issues Institute - October 2001
CGR staffed the Westchester Public Issues Institute, aimed at studying public issues affecting the lower Hudson Valley. In 2001 CGR studied the NYS mandates on Westchester County, local e-commerce impacts and Human Services affordability. CGR estimates that Westchester County will lose from $4 million to $52 million in...
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Behavior Issues in Early Childhood Programs in Monroe County - October 2001
CGR completed a comprehensive analysis of the extent to which childcare providers were being asked to serve children with severe behavioral problems. Prepared for the Children & Youth Services Intervention Council of Monroe County (NY) and the Children & Youth Services Development Initiative, the study concluded that childcare providers...
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Re-Thinking the Niagara County Department of Social Services, Preparing DSS for the Future - August 2001
One of the top priorities identified by the Niagara County Legislature from a county-wide CGR study was the need for an in-depth assessment of the Department of Human Services, and ways in which it needs to rethink its mission, functions and structure in light of welfare reform, changing county demographics,...
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An Evaluation of Broome County's Community Reinvestment Programs- August 2001
CGR evaluated the progress of the Community Reinvestment initiative from the mid nineteen nineties to 2000. Research showed that the State appropriations had a positive impact on Broome County by funding and creating services that effectively assisted the mentally ill, and eliminating many unnecessary medical costs.
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Livingston County Family Focus Even Start: Year Two Evaluation - July 2001
This was a three year evaluation of the Livingston County Even Start program. The evaluation involved surveys and interviews with staff, enrolled families and partner agencies, a focus group with the advisory board, and evaluation of performance indicators. Additional information on the program operations and the process evaluation is...
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Disaster Recovery Review for Key City of Rochester Operations Records - June 2001
In 2001, CGR identified key records at risk for the City of Rochester NY. The study involved an assessment of the top three sites and records series in each department that needed back-up or other recovery plans in the event of an unforeseen disaster. The assessment included both paper and...
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Will NYS Miss the Biotech Train?
CGR's Gleason Center for State Policy explored NYS's financial return from investments in biotech R&D. CGR found that investments in biotech are likely to yield a greater economic impact than investments in physical science research.
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Workplace Satisfaction and Staff Morale Survey, Greece Central School District - June 2001
The Greece Teachers Association needed an external group to conduct a survey of GTA members to determine their level of satisfaction with their jobs and the District Administration.
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A Profile of Selected Community Outcome Measures for the Monroe County Hispanic Population - January 2000
In 2001 the United Way conducted an Hispanic Community Assessment: Assets and Opportunities. As part of the project, CGR was asked to analyze selected Census trend data for Monroe County’s Hispanic/Latino population. Characteristics of the Hispanic population living in Monroe County were analyzed using decennial Census data for the years...
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Profile of Community-Wide Outcomes in Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties
The United Way of Northeastern New York, serving Albany, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties, engaged CGR to conduct an area wide needs assessment to track how well the region and its individual counties were doing in addressing community needs. In 2001, CGR developed and produced the first baseline community-wide profile...
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Governance Models for Regional Public Health Projects
Depending on the scope and focus of the program, regional public health initiatives require different types of management structures. CGR documented the alternatives and established criteria for selecting one structural model over another.
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Rochester Branch Library's Focusing for the Future - Nov. 2000
CGR was contracted by the Rochester Public Library to conduct a study that would help it use its fiscal resources as efficiently as possible and fulfill its mission. CGR developed a methodology and recommended that the RPL develop strategies based on both general and specific roles for the branch...
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Economic Impact of URMC Strategic Plan: Phase II Expans Initial Impact Project
CGR updated a prior assessment of the impact of the URMC Strategic Plan on the Rochester economy, responding to an expansion of the previous initiative.
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Profile of the Hispanic/Latino Population in Monroe County 1970-1990; October 2000
As part of its Community Assessment: Assets and Opportunities project, the United Way engaged CGR to analyze selected Census trend data for Monroe County’s Hispanic/Latino population. Using census data from 1970 to 1990 as well as selected Census 2000 data, CGR was able to create a comprehensive list of statistics...
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Results of Survey on Carter Street Recreational Center Expansion (14621 Neighborhood) Sept. 2000
City residents and officials were divided over whether to renovate the Carter St. Recreation Center. CGR was asked to conduct a survey of local residents to determine the level of support for the renovation and planned merger of Genesee Settlement House.
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Greater Rochester/Monroe County Community Profile:2000 Update Appendix 1; Data Tables
CGR has provided multi-year assistance to the United Way of Greater Rochester in the development and implementation of a community wide profile for Monroe County. CGR’s work in this area has been supported by the United Way of Greater Rochester, area foundations, the City of Rochester and Monroe County....
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Greater Rochester/Monroe County Community Profile:2000 Update Appendix 1; Data Tables
CGR has provided multi-year assistance to the United Way of Greater Rochester in the development and implementation of a community wide profile for Monroe County. CGR’s work in this area has been supported by the United Way of Greater Rochester, area foundations, the City of Rochester and Monroe County....
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A Review of the Nassau County Department of Social Services Home Care Program
In 1998, Nassau County’s Personal Care Services Program spent nearly $100 million, far above the average for NYS counties whether calculated per recipient or per capita. This is about a third of all non-NYC spending on personal care in the State of New York, even though Nassau County...
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A Comprehensive Framework for Youth Violence Prevention: Some Promising Initiatives (City of Rochester) June 2000
CGR was hired by the City of Rochester to conduct a nationwide literature search on anti-violence programs and assist the City in selecting one that would have the greatest potential to work locally. This report contains nine models that have been tested and found effective in other communities as...
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Livingston County Family Focus Even Start: Year One Evaluation (Livingston Family Focus Even Start) - June 2000
This was a three year evaluation of the Livingston County Even Start program. The evaluation involved surveys and interviews with staff, enrolled families and partner agencies, a focus group with the advisory board, and evaluation of performance indicators. Additional information on the program operations and the process evaluation is...
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Return on Investment, Options for Agency Change- June 2000
With the implementation of the Return on Investment Project, CGR analyzed the initial phases to note its pros and cons. We identified a menu of options established or proposed within several non-profit agencies and the amount of use the ROI was being used in local agencies. CGR did not make...
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Niagara County Workforce 2000:Phase 1 Recommended Opportunities and Next Steps (Niagara County Legislature) March 2000
In what was originally conceptualized as an assessment of government efficiency and workforce needs of Niagara County government, CGR worked with County officials to broaden the scope of the project to a strategic reassessment of the purposes and functions of County government. In a March 2000 report, CGR recommended...
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A Report Card for Workforce Development Performance Accountability in Rochester/Monroe County (Monroe Community College, Rochester/ Monroe County Workforce Development Steering Committee) February 2000
The Workforce Investment Act, which changed the delivery of workforce development services in the U.S., requires more integrated and streamlined delivery of services through One Stop Career Centers. CGR was asked to assist the Rochester/Monroe County NY Workforce Development Steering Committee in developing a performance accountability design for the area’s...
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Toward an Improved Payroll Processing/Human Resources System for Cattaraugus County (Cattaraugus County) December 1999
Cattaraugus County engaged CGR to undertake a detailed strategic analysis of the purpose, current operations and future potential of five core infrastructure departments that affect virtually all other departments and functions of County government. The study resulted in specific practical and realistic recommendations for change, most of which have been...
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The Economic Impact of New York State's Preferred Source Legislation (New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc.) November 1999
CGR assessed the economic impact of Human Services state agencies to purchase products from NYSID agencies. When reduced social service expenditures was balanced against the cost of the NYSID program, NYS taxpayers benefited.
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Orleans County Preliminary Directions For Community Planning and Youth Asset Development: Inventory for Services, Community Perceptions, Issues and Data (Genesee/Orleans Integrated County Planning for Children, Youth and Families)
Working in conjunction with the Genesee/Orleans Youth Bureau and with the Genesee and Orleans County Departments of Human Services, CGR coordinated their joint integrated planning project, and helped develop a comprehensive vision of the strengths, resources and services Genesee and Orleans County already had in place and those that needed...
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Integrated Systems of Care for Children's Mental Health: A Technical Assistance Resource Book
This project included research into county models of integrated systems of care and the development of a technical assistance tool, Integrated Systems of Care for Children’s Mental Health: A Technical Assistance Resource Book, which included profiles of the models and common core elements. Based on this work, CGR staff held...
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Analyzing Service Delivery Options: Town of Portland and Village of Brocton, NY February 1999
In 1992, the former Rural Services Institute at the State University of New York College at Fredonia began an analysis of municipal services in the Town of Portland and Village of Brocton, New York. Building on this initial project, CGR conducted a study to identify opportunities for delivering services in...
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The Fiscal Balance Among NYS Regions: NYS Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 1992-March 31, 1997 (GAIN of Metropolitan Rochester and NYC Office of Management and Budget) January 1999
CGR traced the revenue and expenditures of New York's $60 billion budget by region. Jointly funded by New York City and a Rochester group, the report summarizes trends in the geographic dispersion of revenue and expenditure for SFY 1992-1997.
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Looking to the 21st Century: Improving the Return on Investment in Rochester's Human Services Delivery System (Human Services Return on Investment Leadership Team)
The goal of the Return on Investment (ROI) Project is to improve the community’s return on its investment in its people and human service systems. It aims to enhance human services outcomes of its citizens by shifting as many of our resources as possible from any inefficient administrative and overhead...
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Athens Generating Project: An Assessment of the Project's Value to the Community and the Owner (Central Hudson Gas and Electric)
CGR assessed the fiscal & economic impacts of a planned gas-fired, 1,080 megawatt merchant power plant near the Hudson River in Greene County. The report provides local officials with guidance for PILOT negotiations with the developer.
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Economic Assessment of Combined Lake Ontario Water Supply & Industrial Cooling
CGR was engaged to evaluate the impact of an environmentally-friendly system for cooling office and manufacturing buildings on new industrial development, local tax revenue and economic vitality in suburban Webster.
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Evaluation of Job Creation Effectiveness of New York State Industrial Development Agencies
Mandated by NYS law, CGR was engaged to evaluate New York's industrial development agencies, assessing their effectiveness and exploring policy issues of concern to the Legislature.
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What Should Be Done With County Nursing Facilities in New York State? (County Nursing Facilities of New York, Inc.)
Engaged by the state’s association of nursing homes, CGR studied the unique issues facing county homes and present options for county policy makers and nursing home administrators. This study has helped shape decisions in counties throughout the state.
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No Handout, No Bailout - A Plan to Re-Engineer Service Delivery to Buffalo Residents (Buffalo Renaissance Foundation)
Engaged by the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation through the initiative of then City Comptroller Joel Giambra, CGR assessed prospects for Buffalo/Erie County consolidation and developed an innovative municipal service delivery strategy for the City of Buffalo. Involving a radically-different relationship between the city, county and private sectors, CGR demonstrated that...
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Specialized Transit Coordination Study - Nassau County
In 1995, Nassau County spent an estimated $30 million providing specialized transportation services. CGR recommended a radical re-structuring of the county's approach to contracting and supervising most specialized transportation services.
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Non-Homestead Tax Rates and City Competitiveness (Rochester City Council)
The City Council of Rochester engaged CGR to assess the impact of the business/residential tax differential permitted by the Homestead Tax Law on the competitiveness of the city economy.
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City of Troy Strategic Action Plan (Troy Strategy Group)
Part of an effort to avoid bankruptcy for Troy, CGR summarized the highest priority action steps for fiscal stabilization & business climate improvement, including how the city might capitalize on its EDZ and Enterprise Community status.
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Medicaid Cost Containment Options for New York (New York State Association of Counties)
NYS pays more per capita or per recipient for Medicaid than any other state. CGR identified the most costly program elements and what factors contributed to the differential between costs in New York and the rest of the nation.
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Independent Living for Seniors: A 3-year Assessment of Perceptions and Impact of Program
Independent Living for Seniors was started in 1990 to provide a cost-effective, community-based alternative to nursing home care for frail elderly residents of northeastern Monroe County. CGR conducted an evaluation of the program’s initial 3 years, and this report is the final component of the evaluation.
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Barriers to School District Reorganization and Service Sharing in New York State
In an attempt to systematically identify and better understand the barriers or obstacles to school district reorganization in New York, the State Education Department hired CGR to analyze factors that influence school district decisions to consider reorganization; perceived barriers to reorganization and strategies used to overcome them; and the impact...
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Two-Tiered Government in Monroe County, New York
Much of the research material included in this report is derived from reports prepared for GRIP by the Center for Governmental Research. The Structural Design section of this report is an edited version of Chapter II of the November 15, 1974 GRIP report. Chapter II of the November, 1974 report...
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