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, internet sessions and program attendance skyrocketed, c) in the past 5 years, all measures of usage, including circulation, trended up; d) most patrons borrow from multiple libraries and only 23% of patrons with 2012 transactions used their branch exclusively.

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 detailed internal management tool and writing the public strategic plan. The process and resulting tools equipped Read to Succeed to refocus its role in the community, positioning the organization for increased impact.

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 included approximately 50 interviews with internal and external stakeholders; an agency-wide employee survey; resident council focus group session; and numerous strategic planning events with key stakeholders.

CGR supported the Rochester (NY) Roman Catholic Diocese as its Catholic Schools Task Force confronted the challenge of declining enrollment and the financial viability of the schools in Monroe County. CGR provided analytical and procedural support for the Task Force, which eventually recommended the closure of more than half of the Diocese's 24 schools. Consolidation  to 11 schools made possible a 30% reduction in tuition.

CGR was engaged by the City Manager of Elmira NY to work with the city’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Fiscal Stability. CGR analyzed all city operations, reviewed city finances, and helped the commission craft recommendations to improve fiscal stability. CGR evaluated strategies to restructure city operations, and developed cross-government regional approaches for providing fire, police and public works services.