CGR Briefs

Who Votes? A Look at Voting and Income in Monroe County

As Golden Day approaches – the one day where NYS voters can register to vote and vote in one fell swoop – CGR shares its examination of voting patterns in Monroe County.

Refreshing a Nonprofit Strategic Plan

Sometimes an organizational strategic plan needs an update rather than an overhaul. CGR recently assisted a Western New York nonprofit focused on early literacy with a refresh of its strategy.

Read to Succeed Buffalo’s (RTSB) 2022–2027 Strategic Plan established a strong foundation for advancing early literacy, expanding programming, strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion, and building sustainability. Since the plan was adopted, the environment in which RTSB operates continues to change.

Sustaining Chili’s Fire Services: Balancing Volunteer Retention and Efficient Response

Across the country, local governments face a familiar challenge: sustaining reliable emergency services amid shifting demographics and a shrinking volunteer pool. The Town of Chili engaged CGR to evaluate the current health and long-term outlook of its two volunteer fire departments: the Chili Fire Department and the Clifton Fire Department.

Exploring Government Reorganization in North Chautauqua County

Local government reorganization can offer a powerful path toward greater efficiency, lower costs, and stronger public services. By eliminating duplicate efforts and leveraging economies of scale, communities can build lasting fiscal stability.

Using Data to Address Quality of Life

Using local data to improve the quality of life in communities was the focus of a recent international conference where CGR presented on our community indicators projects.

South Dayton Voters Choose to Retain Their Village

Following a comprehensive study conducted by CGR, Village of South Dayton residents voted against dissolution of the village government on July 14, opting to maintain their incorporated status. Under New York State law, incorporated villages are permitted to dissolve and transfer their assets, duties, and municipal services to the surrounding town. To complete a dissolution, NYS law requires a detailed dissolution plan informed by a study like CGR’s to evaluate service continuity, asset distribution, and tax impacts.

Helping Madison County Explore the Future of Code Enforcement

CGR was engaged by Madison County to conduct a comprehensive review of code enforcement operations in the county, with the goal of exploring how the county could support local code enforcement operations. Our research revealed that Madison County’s challenges are the same as many other counties: mixed conditions in local code enforcement operations – some programs going well, some struggling – along with an aging cohort of code enforcement officers and no clear pipeline of qualified candidates to replace them as they retired.

Steps to Success Rochester: Coaching, Support, and Rewards for Progress

A new program is helping Rochester families move toward long-term stability through coaching, coordinated support, and financial rewards tied to progress. In Steps to Success Rochester, participants work with a coach to set goals related to education, employment, financial stability, and family well-being.

Navigating the New NYS EMS Mandate: An Opportunity for Strategic Modernization

A new state mandate requires all New York counties to establish a comprehensive EMS master plan by the end of the year.
The state initiative provides an opportunity for local leaders to address issues that they have been grappling with for years, from volunteer staffing shortages to sustainable funding models to cross-border cooperation.

Understanding Black & African American Participation in Health Survey

How to ensure Black and African American residents are well represented in a key health survey is the focus of a new CGR project. CGR was selected by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to conduct community focus groups exploring the beliefs and attitudes of Black and African American adults in Monroe County regarding government health surveys, specifically the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

Lewis County Poised to Improve EMS Following CGR Study

When an emergency strikes, every second counts. In 2025, rural Lewis County residents called for an ambulance 3,800 times. While a dedicated mix of career and volunteer EMS responders gave it their all, systemic gaps left crews overworked and response times delayed.

The community deserved better. That’s why Lewis County partnered with CGR to thoroughly evaluate and recommend improvements to the emergency response framework.

Village of Mamaroneck Examines Efficiency

At its core, government efficiency is about more than just numbers; it is about honoring public trust and ensuring tax dollars work harder for every resident. CGR is proud to announce a new partnership with the Village of Mamaroneck to conduct a comprehensive organizational assessment and fleet analysis.