CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance

Created in 2013 by the City University of New York, the Institute for State and Local Governance has a mission to improve the financing, delivery, and measurement of critical public services through research, technical assistance, and education. We lead projects aimed at reforming the criminal justice system, measuring urban inequality, expanding the reach of social service providers, and more. Each project has a dedicated team of research and policy experts who collaborate closely with internal and external organizations. Our staff have the opportunity to work with colleagues and supervisors across projects and with different types of expertise. We are seeking new team members with enthusiasm to shape the future of state and local policy.   

Specifically, we conduct rigorous research that is practical to implement and responsive to demanding timelines and political realities. We provide technical assistance to implement data-driven, results-oriented practices and offer in-depth training to build the knowledge and skills of staff at all levels. We’re also dedicated to educating and nurturing the next generation of public sector leaders, helping them build successful, lasting careers. Our particular areas of expertise include data analysis for a wide array of purposes – including cost-benefit analysis, performance evaluation and the development of performance indicators – and fiscal management for both short- and long-term planning. We also have expertise in many specific areas of practice, ranging from corrections to health care to transportation. We focus on government at the state and local levels, working both nationally and internationally, because we believe cities and states are ideal laboratories for developing new approaches to longstanding social problems.

We are a small and nimble team led by founding Executive Director Michael Jacobson whose career in public service includes holding senior positions in the NYC Office of Management and Budget, serving as NYC Commissioner of Probation and later Corrections Commissioner, and running the nonprofit Vera Institute of Justice. An active 10-member Advisory Board comprised of renowned professionals in government, academia and the private sector also provides expert guidance. The Board is chaired by Marc Shaw who has held numerous senior positions in government and the private sector and, like Mr. Jacobson, has particular expertise in fiscal analysis and understands the central role budgeting plays in the operations of any large and complex organization.

We invite you to learn more about what we offer, our expert staff and advisors, and our current projects on this web site and to contact us with any questions you may have.