To mark 95 years serving the public interest, CGR held a daylong symposium on Sept. 28 focused on education reform , a topic of critical public interest across NYS. The symposium included 3 separate events (morning, anniversary luncheon, and special educators’ session). Dr. David Steiner, NYS Commissioner of Education, gave the morning keynote “What Matters Most – An Effective Teacher in  Every Classroom.” His presentation was followed by two panels addressing how to get the “right” teachers into schools, and how to ensure effective teaching inside classrooms. The luncheon included an address by Doug Lemov, educator and author of the book Teach Like a Champion, who used video clips to illustrate his presentation on “Lessons from High Performing Classrooms.” The luncheon session also include a celebration of CGR’s anniversary and a tribute to Donald Pryor Ph.D. for his long service.  In the afternoon, Mr. Lemov provided an expanded version of his video-based presentation to  educators. In total, more than 500 people attended the 3 events.

In an environment of dwindling resources and complex community challenges — how can we be sure our resources are being used effectively? How can we know that human service initiatives — prevention programs, emergency services and other interventions — are making a difference? CGR invites you to join in the discussion with evaluation experts, front line providers and community funders on June 15, 2010.

CGR, along with the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, sponsored a conference in Albany on Nov. 27 for stakeholders in NYS health care policy. The conference "Avoiding the Next Berger Commission - The Role of Community Health Planning in NYS" attracted 130 key stakeholders from across the state. Click here to see detailed information about our conference

In 2006, in the months leading up to the election of NY’s first new governor in 12 years, CGR conducted a groundbreaking statewide research, information and civic engagement project. Our goal was to identify voters’ top concerns and focus candidates on issues. The centerpiece of the project was a probing survey of 2,500 state residents. CGR publicized findings on the web, in media outlets, and via public television; issued white papers; and sponsored public forums tailored to regional concerns. Our pre-election forums included expert panelists, decision makers and poll respondents who put the spotlight on taxes for Long Island, education in New York City, the economy in Buffalo and Rochester, and government reform in Syracuse. Visit the website developed especially for this project.

Since the New York Matters initiative (see above) identified property taxes as a particularly significant voter concern, CGR brought together some of the state’s top minds to discuss how to fix NY’s property-tax woes. At a post-election conference in Albany in January 2007, these experts presented ideas ranging from capping property taxes, to reforming state aid programs, to improving the assessment system. Among the standing room audience who listened and debated the different options proposed were members and staff of the Senate and Assembly, state agency representatives and policy experts. CGR developed a summary of the conference.

In spring 2006 CGR published results of a months-long research effort in which we analyzed the $1.7 billion in grants (all borrowed funds) handed out since 1997 by NYS 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 added debt for an already heavily indebted state. CGR’s recommendation – “let the sun shine on this process.”