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.
Restorative justice isn’t just for repairing harm—it also teaches us to listen, learn, and hold ourselves and others accountable.
For #RestorativeJusticeMonth, read how Community-Based Restorative Justice Initiative orgs are supporting youth from elementary school to college prep.
For #RestorativeJusticeMonth, read how Community-Based Restorative Justice Initiative orgs are supporting youth from elementary school to college prep.
Listening, Learning, and Accountability: How NYC Schools and Youth Centers are Using Restorative Justice to Help the Next Generation Succeed — CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (ISLG)
CUNY ISLG provides tailored technical assistance to the grantees, from guidance on mitigating risk to collecting and analyzing data that measures their impact. And while many may associate…
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November 29, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Restorative justice isn’t just for repairing harm—it also teaches us to listen, learn, and hold ourselves and others accountable.
For #RestorativeJusticeMonth, read how Community-Based Restorative Justice Initiative orgs are supporting youth from elementary school to college prep.
For #RestorativeJusticeMonth, read how Community-Based Restorative Justice Initiative orgs are supporting youth from elementary school to college prep.
A technical deliverable is only as useful as the community's ability to use it. Collaborating across agencies & changing protocols is complicated, but with communication and planning, impactful, long-term solutions can take root. buff.ly/omngGAG
A Case Study on Pivoting toward Impact in Fulton County, Georgia — CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (ISLG)
When work is grounded in data, community context, and collaboration, projects can pivot and address solutions to all the problems that arise along the way. This is what happened when CUNY ISLG…
islg.cuny.edu
November 26, 2025 at 8:15 PM
A technical deliverable is only as useful as the community's ability to use it. Collaborating across agencies & changing protocols is complicated, but with communication and planning, impactful, long-term solutions can take root. buff.ly/omngGAG
Mayor-Elect Mamdani announced his transition advisory teams this week, and we’re excited to see some familiar names: ISLG’s Michael Jacobson will serve on the Committee on the Criminal Legal System, and Marc Shaw joins Government Operations. Congrats to all. Let the work commence!
Mamdani transition: Mayor-elect names over 400 advisors across 17 committees ahead of January inauguration | amNewYork
With 38 days until he takes office, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said Monday that he has appointed over 400 people across 17 committees to serve as “critical
www.amny.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Mayor-Elect Mamdani announced his transition advisory teams this week, and we’re excited to see some familiar names: ISLG’s Michael Jacobson will serve on the Committee on the Criminal Legal System, and Marc Shaw joins Government Operations. Congrats to all. Let the work commence!
ICYMI: In the Queens Daily Eagle, Civic Engagement Fellow Stephanie Frias speaks from personal and professional experience on the financial, emotional, and legal challenges people (and their family) face when they're held on Rikers.
Opinion: Why New York needs to close Rikers once and for all — Queens Daily Eagle
“With the mayoral elections coming up, it's important that we seek out representatives who will do right by their constituents and abolish Rikers once and for all. “
queenseagle.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:18 PM
ICYMI: In the Queens Daily Eagle, Civic Engagement Fellow Stephanie Frias speaks from personal and professional experience on the financial, emotional, and legal challenges people (and their family) face when they're held on Rikers.
When working toward systemic change, things don't always go as planned. Unforeseen challenges and evolving priorities means goals can shift quickly.
Trust, flexible support, and infrastructure makes it possible to pivot quickly. Here's how we did that in Fulton County, Georgia. buff.ly/omngGAG
Trust, flexible support, and infrastructure makes it possible to pivot quickly. Here's how we did that in Fulton County, Georgia. buff.ly/omngGAG
A Case Study on Pivoting toward Impact in Fulton County, Georgia — CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (ISLG)
When work is grounded in data, community context, and collaboration, projects can pivot and address solutions to all the problems that arise along the way. This is what happened when CUNY ISLG…
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM
When working toward systemic change, things don't always go as planned. Unforeseen challenges and evolving priorities means goals can shift quickly.
Trust, flexible support, and infrastructure makes it possible to pivot quickly. Here's how we did that in Fulton County, Georgia. buff.ly/omngGAG
Trust, flexible support, and infrastructure makes it possible to pivot quickly. Here's how we did that in Fulton County, Georgia. buff.ly/omngGAG
Findings from the College-in-Prison Reentry Initiative show the potential benefits of widening access to education in NYS prisons.
See how measures like misconducts, reconviction, & wages varied between students and non-students in the outcome evaluation: buff.ly/B5w9ial
See how measures like misconducts, reconviction, & wages varied between students and non-students in the outcome evaluation: buff.ly/B5w9ial
What are the impacts of college-in-prison, both inside facilities and in the community? — CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (ISLG)
CIP students had statistically fewer substantiated disciplinary incidents compared to non-students at 6, 12, and 24 months following enrollment.
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November 18, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Findings from the College-in-Prison Reentry Initiative show the potential benefits of widening access to education in NYS prisons.
See how measures like misconducts, reconviction, & wages varied between students and non-students in the outcome evaluation: buff.ly/B5w9ial
See how measures like misconducts, reconviction, & wages varied between students and non-students in the outcome evaluation: buff.ly/B5w9ial
At Harlem’s Emma L. Bowen Center, the food pantry line is longer than ever. Even before SNAP benefits are set to expire, demand has doubled this month due to the federal shutdown. AM NewYork shares the local implications of a national issue: buff.ly/cIMT5mO
Harlem food pantry faces record demand as shutdown drags on and SNAP cuts loom | amNewYork
As the federal government shutdown stretched into its 22nd day Wednesday, staff and volunteers at a Harlem food pantry said the line outside has swelled to
buff.ly
November 17, 2025 at 4:15 PM
At Harlem’s Emma L. Bowen Center, the food pantry line is longer than ever. Even before SNAP benefits are set to expire, demand has doubled this month due to the federal shutdown. AM NewYork shares the local implications of a national issue: buff.ly/cIMT5mO
Even with NYC’s many social services, residents still struggle to access supports. A Blueprint for Social Service Navigation in NYC and Beyond shows how local, data-informed programs can bridge those gaps, especially if federal support lags.
Read more: buff.ly/vJ4aYCs
Read more: buff.ly/vJ4aYCs
A Blueprint for Social Service Navigation in NYC and Beyond — CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (ISLG)
Drawing from a wealth of experience developing service navigation programs as well as research on data-informed, community-responsive approaches, this brief provides a guide to developing navigation…
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November 15, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Even with NYC’s many social services, residents still struggle to access supports. A Blueprint for Social Service Navigation in NYC and Beyond shows how local, data-informed programs can bridge those gaps, especially if federal support lags.
Read more: buff.ly/vJ4aYCs
Read more: buff.ly/vJ4aYCs
From arrest to sentencing, the criminal legal system fails to account for women’s unique circumstances — and it’s hurting families. @Stateline.org covers a new @CouncilonCJ.org report calling for fairer detention decisions & trauma-informed responses. Dig in: buff.ly/7hoUF1J
New report urges more individualized justice system responses for women • Stateline
A new report from the nonpartisan think tank Council on Criminal Justice warns that policies and practices across the nation’s criminal justice systems are failing to address the distinct factors…
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November 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM
From arrest to sentencing, the criminal legal system fails to account for women’s unique circumstances — and it’s hurting families. @Stateline.org covers a new @CouncilonCJ.org report calling for fairer detention decisions & trauma-informed responses. Dig in: buff.ly/7hoUF1J
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…
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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). 📻🗳️