The Greater Rochester (NY) Health Foundation seeks to address childhood overweight and obesity issues by targeting investments that promote strategies involving increased physical activity and improved nutrition. CGR was asked by the foundation to assess practices, policies and attitudes in area school districts regarding prevention of overweight and obesity in elementary students. CGR conducted surveys and found stakeholders at district and school levels, in general, do not view childhood overweight and obesity as a significant problem. In addition, most survey respondents view schools as an appropriate venue in which to address such issues but do not think their districts/schools have adequate resources to do so. CGR recommends increased awareness about these issues at the school level and recognition that adequate resources must be made available.

A commission appointed by the New York State Legislature, the Advisory Council on Procurement Lobbying, contracted with CGR to conduct a statewide survey of governmental entities and vendors to assess the impact of the state’s Procurement Lobbying Law. The survey, conducted online, and also involving contact via mail, email and phone, provided governmental entities and vendors the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences with the implementation of the state Finance Law provisions of the Procurement Lobbying Law and to recommend changes. CGR analysis of nearly 500 surveys informs the Advisory Council’s report to the Governor and Legislature on the impact of the law.