CGR developed informANALYTICS to help economic development professionals and other interested customers complete cost-benefit analyses for proposed projects quickly and easily. Users can estimate a project’s fiscal impact, assess its economic impact, and generate reports for stakeholders. See the website for a product overview, testimonials, and to request a free demonstration.

The more than 100 independent colleges and universities in NY contributed $63.2 billion to the state’s economy in 2011, according to an analysis CGR completed for the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities. The total is an increase of $8.9 billion (16%) since 2009, and an increase of $15.7 billion (33%) since 2007. For details, see the Upstate NY regional data overviews.

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 analysis shows that, in 2011, more than 31,500 jobs  resulted from the activity of the University, generating an estimated $1.7 billion in wages for the Rochester region.  More than $408 million is now flowing into the region annually for cutting-edge research that serves as a catalyst across multiple economic sectors. All indicators are up from CGR’s analysis of UR’s economic impact in 2009.

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 and 15% of  resulting labor income in the region in 2011 were due to the Corning Museum of Glass.  Also notable, the 400,000 visitors who attended the museum that year generated more than $45 million in spending, constituting 2% of the total for the region.

The primary economic development entities in most NY communities are industrial development agencies (IDAs). At the time of CGR’s study, NY’s Legislature was considering proposals that would require projects funded by IDAs to pay construction workers prevailing, instead of market, wage. CGR analysis shows extending prevailing wage to the private sector would significantly inflate NY’s already above-average construction costs and weaken the state’s ability to compete in the ongoing competition for major development projects.