Charting the Future: Strategic Planning with the Urban League of Rochester

Engaged by the Urban League of Rochester (ULR) to assist with the development of a strategic plan, CGR used a combination of methods to gather and synthesize input from various stakeholders and worked with leaders to craft priorities, goals and measures.

Our team conducted staff and board surveys and focus group interviews with youth program participants, community members and community partners to understand their perspectives regarding the organization’s mission, vision, programs and impact. Survey and focus group themes informed a SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis and survey and focus group themes informed a revision to ULR’s mission and vision statements and key priorities.

During 2025-2028, ULR will focus on five goals: ensuring strategic alignment through operations, strengthening funding sustainability, ensuring staff have needed expertise and resources, expanding external awareness of ULR/bringing perceptions in line with who ULR is today and expanding civil rights advocacy. The plan specifies measures of success, required resources and a ULR staff leader for each goal.

For more information on this project or strategic planning assistance, contact Dr. Donna Harris.

August 26, 2025 CGR Briefs Edition