Thomas F. Judson, Jr., Chairman
In 2006 CGR marked its 91st year as an organization that is known for getting things done. CGR uses its expertise—in research, in analysis, in developing pragmatic recommendations—to help government, nonprofit and business leaders shape positive change for their communities.

Whether CGR is working on issues related to service delivery, efficiency, cost savings, program gaps or myriad other concerns, the goal is always the same—to help leaders at all levels improve the quality of their communities as places to live and do business.

The Board of Trustees is proud of the organization, its leadership and staff, and its many achievements in 2006. Today CGR is recognized statewide for delivering quality, independent, non-partisan work. We salute all of our supporters in advancing the mission of this remarkable organization.

Kent E. Gardner, Ph.D., President
As New Yorkers and their leaders confront new challenges and struggle with old ones, CGR stands with them, providing expertise that empowers communities to reach their goals.

During 2006 our dedicated staff provided quality guidance on issues ranging from health and human services delivery and criminal justice system improvements to public finance and economic development.

Rockland and Dutchess counties sought our help with health care and human service challenges. Chemung and Steuben counties came to CGR for assessments of their criminal justice practices so they can improve their systems while making them less costly. Nassau County asked us to assess the effectiveness of the major staff development program linked to the “No Wrong Door” initiative that streamlines delivery of human services.

The breadth and depth of CGR's skills and experience make us nearly a “one-stop shop” for the public sector, and for the nonprofit sector, a valued resource.

In the Rochester area we helped support the Mayor's Literacy Summit, assessed the markets of McQuaid Jesuit High School and numerous St. John Fisher College education programs, and suggested “next steps” for Rochester's High Falls historic district. CGR was active in so many other places—in Albany, Broome, Cayuga, Oneida, Livingston, Allegheny, Schenectady, Sullivan, Washington and Erie counties— while also conducting regional and statewide projects.

Our most visible new initiative in 2006 was New York Matters, a campaign targeting opinion leaders and voters with objective analysis of voters' issues, such as the property tax, education, government reform and economic development. As part of this initiative, we convened public forums across the state, including Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, New York City and Long Island.

"I personally like working with CGR because their recommendations are 'doable' within a reasonable timeframe — it is not another report sitting on a bookshelf collecting dust." Betsy Brockway, Director Dutchess County Health & Human Services Cabinet

Through New York Matters, CGR will continue to explore issues of statewide concern by building on the foundation we established over the past year. In 2006, we tackled the problem of political “pork,” the distribution of taxpayer funds through a “closed door” process shielded from competition or effective accountability. CGR released a report showing how the size of the problem is much larger than the $200 million in “member items” listed in the state's annual budget. We pointed out that billions of borrowed money for capital projects has been distributed since 1997 in the same fashion as member items, and identified, by geographic regions, where the funds went. While the “pork” problem has yet to be conclusively addressed in Albany, significant progress has been made.

CGR continues to adapt to changing needs and opportunities. Our health care practice, for example, grew in 2006, and will continue to grow in 2007, as we add to work we conducted statewide for the NYS Health Foundation and for local governments on a broad array of issues. Also in 2007, we're adding workforce quality as a specialty area, and already have top talent on staff to support this area.

Special thanks to all of our generous corporate and individual funders, foundations and donors who put their trust in us to deliver the New York Matters initiative, and valued clients. You are the reason we continue to grow in our ability to provide objective research, critical analysis and practical advice that helps shape change across New York.