CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance
@cunyislg.bsky.social
A good governance think-and-do tank crafting research, policy, partnerships, and practices that help governments work for all of us. EST 2013 #CUNY islg.cuny.edu
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We work with local & state governments, public institutions & nonprofit orgs across the country to make sure they have the data, partnerships & protocols necessary to effectively serve their constituents, no matter their zip code.
Apprenticeships offer job seekers paid hands-on training, but many states lack systems to support them. Two new state programs show how skills-based models can better meet labor market needs & create a sustainable workforce. Governing explores the model: buff.ly/H02s3Gm
The Undervalued Power of Apprenticeships
More industries are showing interest in this age-old pathway to well-paying, high-demand jobs. States have a role to play in accelerating its expansion.
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Apprenticeships offer job seekers paid hands-on training, but many states lack systems to support them. Two new state programs show how skills-based models can better meet labor market needs & create a sustainable workforce. Governing explores the model: buff.ly/H02s3Gm
For the 5th consecutive school year, the number of homeless children in NYC has risen. Students experiencing homelessness face health and safety concerns and are more likely to drop out. See how the crisis varies by school district from @citylimitsnews.bsky.social: buff.ly/ymqYEoS
NYC’s Record-High Student Homelessness Numbers, by Neighborhood and Shelter Type
The number of homeless children attending New York City public schools increased again in 2024-2025—rising for the fifth consecutive school year, and surpassing 150,000 for the first time. Some…
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 3:15 PM
For the 5th consecutive school year, the number of homeless children in NYC has risen. Students experiencing homelessness face health and safety concerns and are more likely to drop out. See how the crisis varies by school district from @citylimitsnews.bsky.social: buff.ly/ymqYEoS
This just in: ISLG Senior Fellow Dean Fuleihan was announced as First Deputy Mayor in Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani's administration. Dean's notable contributions to NY City & State government are sure to be a strength in this administration. ✍🏽 @nytimes.com:
Mamdani Fills 2 Top Posts With Government Veteran and Trusted Aide
The mayor-elect named Dean Fuleihan, a government veteran, to be his first deputy mayor. Elle Bisgaard-Church will serve as his chief of staff.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:16 PM
This just in: ISLG Senior Fellow Dean Fuleihan was announced as First Deputy Mayor in Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani's administration. Dean's notable contributions to NY City & State government are sure to be a strength in this administration. ✍🏽 @nytimes.com:
In some neighborhoods, libraries are more than a place to rent books—they're also public spaces that can boost civic engagement and draw people to nearby local businesses. Bloomberg's CityLab explores the renaissance of new library designs and upgrades: buff.ly/mjuBtC4
With Roles as Civic Hubs, Libraries Turn Over a New Page
Cities looking to revive downtowns are increasingly leveraging the ability of public libraries to draw crowds and encourage economic development.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 6:03 PM
In some neighborhoods, libraries are more than a place to rent books—they're also public spaces that can boost civic engagement and draw people to nearby local businesses. Bloomberg's CityLab explores the renaissance of new library designs and upgrades: buff.ly/mjuBtC4
National Guard deployments in cities are the latest step in a crackdown on crime. Yet crime data from the federal gov't itself shows violent crime rates are down - especially in most of the cities being targeted. @Stateline.org shares the data: buff.ly/fa8cMMl
Trump isn’t sending troops to cities with highest crime rates, data shows • Stateline
President Donald Trump has argued that he needs to deploy National Guard troops across state lines to protect federal personnel and property or to support overwhelmed local law enforcement in cities…
buff.ly
November 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
National Guard deployments in cities are the latest step in a crackdown on crime. Yet crime data from the federal gov't itself shows violent crime rates are down - especially in most of the cities being targeted. @Stateline.org shares the data: buff.ly/fa8cMMl
Jail populations dropped in cities & counties after they joined the Safety and Justice Challenge, driven by fewer bookings. But now that numbers are down, what’s the makeup of today’s jail populations, and why? Our latest analysis breaks it down: islg.cuny.edu/resources/us...
The Changing Use of Jails in Safety and Justice Challenge Counties — CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (ISLG)
Cities and counties in the Safety and Justice Challenge have engaged in multi-agency efforts to safely shrink their local jail populations by nearly 18,000 people. Importantly, people released…
islg.cuny.edu
November 7, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Jail populations dropped in cities & counties after they joined the Safety and Justice Challenge, driven by fewer bookings. But now that numbers are down, what’s the makeup of today’s jail populations, and why? Our latest analysis breaks it down: islg.cuny.edu/resources/us...
Safety. Accountability. Participation. Do those words resonate with you? @niemanlab.org looks at new research that explores what messages or words get people inspired to care about local news—or turn away from it.
See what stuck: buff.ly/FROvWsa
See what stuck: buff.ly/FROvWsa
Don’t dwell on “democracy,” and other new findings about how to market local news
"Here’s the paradox: 93% of people believe reliable local news is necessary for democracy, yet many of these same people react negatively to explicit 'democracy' messaging."
buff.ly
November 6, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Safety. Accountability. Participation. Do those words resonate with you? @niemanlab.org looks at new research that explores what messages or words get people inspired to care about local news—or turn away from it.
See what stuck: buff.ly/FROvWsa
See what stuck: buff.ly/FROvWsa
A recent survey found that many of us want the same thing: safety, good jobs, and opportunities to be healthy. People also believe they have the power to create change locally. @rwjf.org shares the findings: buff.ly/1Udipmm
U.S. Adults Agree Broadly on Priorities for Themselves, their Families, and their Communities
Survey shows most agree that safety, good jobs, and opportunities to be healthy are their highest priorities in the places they call home.
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 3:15 PM
A recent survey found that many of us want the same thing: safety, good jobs, and opportunities to be healthy. People also believe they have the power to create change locally. @rwjf.org shares the findings: buff.ly/1Udipmm
Some cool election data from the folks at CUNY's @thegraduatecenter.bsky.social 👇
Want to your voice to be included? Polls are open until 9!
Want to your voice to be included? Polls are open until 9!
The @thegraduatecenter.bsky.social map will compare 2025 w/2021 mayoral results by election district & citywide. It gives you the ability to filter results by 20 categories of demographics & electoral patterns. The map has overlays to show City Council districts, subways, and NYCHA properties.
2/n
2/n
November 4, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Some cool election data from the folks at CUNY's @thegraduatecenter.bsky.social 👇
Want to your voice to be included? Polls are open until 9!
Want to your voice to be included? Polls are open until 9!
Since NY ended cash bail for most misdemeanors & nonviolent felonies, recidivism dropped nearly across the board. In the most comprehensive look at the impact of how the 2020 reforms, Data Collaborative for Justice’s report shows eliminating cash bail does not undermine public safety.
Bail reforms have led to less recidivism, report finds — Queens Daily Eagle
Recidivism and re-arrest frequency for people charged with nearly all crimes have significantly declined in the five years since cash bail was prohibited for misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, a ne...
queenseagle.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Since NY ended cash bail for most misdemeanors & nonviolent felonies, recidivism dropped nearly across the board. In the most comprehensive look at the impact of how the 2020 reforms, Data Collaborative for Justice’s report shows eliminating cash bail does not undermine public safety.
Pop quiz: What is "civic engagement?"
It's defined as “individual or collective action that seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.” But what's it mean in real life?
Our latest blog digs into how it's happening in NYC: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
It's defined as “individual or collective action that seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.” But what's it mean in real life?
Our latest blog digs into how it's happening in NYC: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
Get Out the Vote in NYC’s General Election — CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (ISLG)
As New York City’s General Election approaches, we’re taking a closer look at the role of local government in NYC and the ways that community-based organizations can increase civic engagement in…
islg.cuny.edu
November 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Pop quiz: What is "civic engagement?"
It's defined as “individual or collective action that seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.” But what's it mean in real life?
Our latest blog digs into how it's happening in NYC: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
It's defined as “individual or collective action that seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.” But what's it mean in real life?
Our latest blog digs into how it's happening in NYC: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
New Yorkers: do you know which judges you’re voting for on November 4th? With less candidate info available, these races have little transparency.
@gothamist.com explains how judges get on the ticket and who'll be on your ballot: buff.ly/J1bpPzs
@gothamist.com explains how judges get on the ticket and who'll be on your ballot: buff.ly/J1bpPzs
A New Yorker’s guide to electing judges — and whether you actually have a say
Here’s what you should know before you cast your ballot.
buff.ly
October 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM
New Yorkers: do you know which judges you’re voting for on November 4th? With less candidate info available, these races have little transparency.
@gothamist.com explains how judges get on the ticket and who'll be on your ballot: buff.ly/J1bpPzs
@gothamist.com explains how judges get on the ticket and who'll be on your ballot: buff.ly/J1bpPzs
By safely reducing jail populations, cities & counties also reduce the harms & cost of incarceration. Our new analysis of Safety and Justice Challenge data shows how sites are not just lowering jail populations, but rethinking the role of jail itself. Explore the data: buff.ly/28r0p0V
The Changing Use of Jails in Safety and Justice Challenge Counties — CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (ISLG)
Cities and counties in the Safety and Justice Challenge have engaged in multi-agency efforts to safely shrink their local jail populations by nearly 18,000 people. Importantly, people released…
islg.cuny.edu
October 29, 2025 at 8:30 PM
By safely reducing jail populations, cities & counties also reduce the harms & cost of incarceration. Our new analysis of Safety and Justice Challenge data shows how sites are not just lowering jail populations, but rethinking the role of jail itself. Explore the data: buff.ly/28r0p0V
In 2021, the Bronx had the lowest voter turnout in the NYC election. Now, the Civic Engagement Fellowship is working to increase civic engagement in the borough and bring those voter turnout rates up.
See our latest blog on the importance of voting here: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
See our latest blog on the importance of voting here: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
October 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
In 2021, the Bronx had the lowest voter turnout in the NYC election. Now, the Civic Engagement Fellowship is working to increase civic engagement in the borough and bring those voter turnout rates up.
See our latest blog on the importance of voting here: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
See our latest blog on the importance of voting here: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
Financing community-led solutions requires shifting both money and power.
@ssir.org explains how Community-Driven Outcomes Contracts do just that by putting communities in the lead to define problems, design solutions, and measure success. Read about it:
@ssir.org explains how Community-Driven Outcomes Contracts do just that by putting communities in the lead to define problems, design solutions, and measure success. Read about it:
How to Finance Community-Led Solutions (SSIR)
Raven Indigenous Outcomes Funds has pioneered community-driven outcomes contracts to center Indigenous communities in Canada as leaders in addressing health and social problems. They present a bold…
ssir.org
October 24, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Financing community-led solutions requires shifting both money and power.
@ssir.org explains how Community-Driven Outcomes Contracts do just that by putting communities in the lead to define problems, design solutions, and measure success. Read about it:
@ssir.org explains how Community-Driven Outcomes Contracts do just that by putting communities in the lead to define problems, design solutions, and measure success. Read about it:
Watch ISLG Policy Program Director Patrick Hart on BronxTalk at @lehmancollege.bsky.social! A great conversation about our freshly launched Civic Engagement Fellowship, how it aims to boost voting in the South Bronx, and how the model can be replicated throughout the city (and beyond). 📻🗳️
Had a great time going on BronxTalk to discuss the new Civic Engagement Fellowship program that we've launched at @cunyislg.bsky.social in partnership with the NYC Campaign Finance Board! www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pqK...
BronxTalk | Bronx Voter Participation
YouTube video by BronxNet
www.youtube.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Watch ISLG Policy Program Director Patrick Hart on BronxTalk at @lehmancollege.bsky.social! A great conversation about our freshly launched Civic Engagement Fellowship, how it aims to boost voting in the South Bronx, and how the model can be replicated throughout the city (and beyond). 📻🗳️
NYC is known by many names, but what about civic laboratory? Participatory budgeting in NYC shows how civic engagement can give residents real power to shape their neighborhoods, bringing New Yorkers up close to democracy. @thefulcrum-us.bsky.social has the scoop: buff.ly/38j09tL
Democracy on the Ground: NYC’s Experiments in Civic Power
Earlier this year, over 93,000 New Yorkers cast ballots to decide how to spend $30 million of the city’s 2026 budget. Voting either online or via paper ballots, they engaged in participatory…
buff.ly
October 23, 2025 at 7:15 PM
NYC is known by many names, but what about civic laboratory? Participatory budgeting in NYC shows how civic engagement can give residents real power to shape their neighborhoods, bringing New Yorkers up close to democracy. @thefulcrum-us.bsky.social has the scoop: buff.ly/38j09tL
Challenges across sectors—like housing, early education, and climate resilience—are interconnected. Solutions should be, too.
Local gov't can lead by bringing together public, private & community partners to create lasting change. Governing explains: buff.ly/UGcCsH0
Local gov't can lead by bringing together public, private & community partners to create lasting change. Governing explains: buff.ly/UGcCsH0
Breaking Down Silos Outside of Government
To address local challenges, cities and counties have to act as catalysts for other groups, including businesses, nonprofits and residents, to address areas of common interest in collaborative…
buff.ly
October 22, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Challenges across sectors—like housing, early education, and climate resilience—are interconnected. Solutions should be, too.
Local gov't can lead by bringing together public, private & community partners to create lasting change. Governing explains: buff.ly/UGcCsH0
Local gov't can lead by bringing together public, private & community partners to create lasting change. Governing explains: buff.ly/UGcCsH0
New Yorkers: Are you registered to vote in the upcoming NYC General Election? Make your voice heard!
Our latest blog explores what local government looks like in NYC and why voting in local elections is a great way to speak up for your community. Dive in: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
Our latest blog explores what local government looks like in NYC and why voting in local elections is a great way to speak up for your community. Dive in: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
buff.ly
October 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
New Yorkers: Are you registered to vote in the upcoming NYC General Election? Make your voice heard!
Our latest blog explores what local government looks like in NYC and why voting in local elections is a great way to speak up for your community. Dive in: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
Our latest blog explores what local government looks like in NYC and why voting in local elections is a great way to speak up for your community. Dive in: buff.ly/bTRTY5A
Child care access supply and demand is a challenge in every state. An interactive map from the Buffet EC Institute highlights gaps in care and gives policymakers valuable insights down to the county and district level. Explore it here: childcaregap.org
Child Care Gaps Assessment
Child Care Gaps Assessment
childcaregap.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Child care access supply and demand is a challenge in every state. An interactive map from the Buffet EC Institute highlights gaps in care and gives policymakers valuable insights down to the county and district level. Explore it here: childcaregap.org
Survivors of gender-based violence often face barriers to accessing support—especially those with criminal legal system involvement. For #DVAM, learn more about how we're examining how orgs serve survivors & how survivors navigate these networks.
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The Gender-Based Violence Project: Bringing Women to the Table — CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (ISLG)
Many survivors of gender-based violence face obstacles in accessing services in their communities. The Gender-Based Violence Project is taking a woman-led approach to better understand the challenges…
buff.ly
October 19, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Survivors of gender-based violence often face barriers to accessing support—especially those with criminal legal system involvement. For #DVAM, learn more about how we're examining how orgs serve survivors & how survivors navigate these networks.
🔗
🔗
Philly’s first youth restorative justice program shows what’s possible when accountability is rooted in healing. Since 2021, Healing Futures has diverted youth from the court system, offering a path instead that centers repairing harm. ✍🏼 @metrophilly.bsky.social: buff.ly/1pCyj2M
100% satisfaction rate for youth restorative justice initiative, report finds – Metro Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s first youth restorative justice program has been a resounding success and is ready to take on more serious cases, according to a recently
buff.ly
October 17, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Philly’s first youth restorative justice program shows what’s possible when accountability is rooted in healing. Since 2021, Healing Futures has diverted youth from the court system, offering a path instead that centers repairing harm. ✍🏼 @metrophilly.bsky.social: buff.ly/1pCyj2M
For local criminal legal systems, federal grants can spark innovative, impactful services. In Tucson, funding helped police, courts & advocates remove guns from high-risk domestic violence cases, but cuts put the program—and survivors—at risk. From @thetrace.org: buff.ly/n2lOh0M
When Domestic Violence Grant Funding Is Lost, What’s Plan B?
Multiple sites are scrambling after the Trump administration canceled a program designed to help tackle the dangers posed by guns in domestic abuse situations.
buff.ly
October 16, 2025 at 6:04 PM
For local criminal legal systems, federal grants can spark innovative, impactful services. In Tucson, funding helped police, courts & advocates remove guns from high-risk domestic violence cases, but cuts put the program—and survivors—at risk. From @thetrace.org: buff.ly/n2lOh0M
@us.theconversation.com highlights the evidence: from Washington to New Jersey, bail reform hasn’t harmed public safety.
In NJ, reforms cut the pretrial jail population by 44% with no rise in gun violence or missed court dates.
See how other states are faring: theconversation.com/bail-reforms...
In NJ, reforms cut the pretrial jail population by 44% with no rise in gun violence or missed court dates.
See how other states are faring: theconversation.com/bail-reforms...
Bail reforms across the US have shown that releasing people pretrial doesn’t harm public safety
President Trump wants to punish states and cities that eliminate bail money, but releasing defendants pretrial without having to post bail doesn’t lead to higher crime rates, data shows.
theconversation.com
October 15, 2025 at 8:15 PM
@us.theconversation.com highlights the evidence: from Washington to New Jersey, bail reform hasn’t harmed public safety.
In NJ, reforms cut the pretrial jail population by 44% with no rise in gun violence or missed court dates.
See how other states are faring: theconversation.com/bail-reforms...
In NJ, reforms cut the pretrial jail population by 44% with no rise in gun violence or missed court dates.
See how other states are faring: theconversation.com/bail-reforms...
Bexar County, TX knows that alternative jail sentencing works. Since 2020, Bexar Gives Back has saved $2M—all while allowing participants to stay with their families, supporting employment, and strengthening the community.
@texaspublicradio.bsky.social has the details: buff.ly/ZSpZvqu
@texaspublicradio.bsky.social has the details: buff.ly/ZSpZvqu
Alternative jail sentencing has saved Bexar County $2 million
Low-level offenders put to work at county facilities and at non-profits
buff.ly
October 13, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Bexar County, TX knows that alternative jail sentencing works. Since 2020, Bexar Gives Back has saved $2M—all while allowing participants to stay with their families, supporting employment, and strengthening the community.
@texaspublicradio.bsky.social has the details: buff.ly/ZSpZvqu
@texaspublicradio.bsky.social has the details: buff.ly/ZSpZvqu