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We have expertise in areas of equitable community change, workplaces, and the economy.

With extensive partnerships and collaborations, the Co-Lab provides a hub of technical assistance to people with various interests in the revitalization of a classic American city, a locality for place-based research, a local co-laboratory for exploring problems and issues of national and international relevance. For over 70 years, ILR’s research in Buffalo has centered on high-road economic development strategies. This research has assisted elected officials and other leaders in making informed policy-decisions related to high quality jobs, constructive labor management relations, environmental responsibility and more.

We continue to link research with specific social and economic problems. By bringing together labor, business, community, government and academia, we outline viable, sustainable solutions to the most pressing challenges facing WNY and study proven strategies that work.

Learn more about our current initiatives that greatly advance regional knowledge and understanding.

High Road Policy

An ILR Buffalo Co-Lab Initiative

High Road Policy contributes actionable insights to contemporary policy and political discourses in and beyond the regions and communities of Upstate New York.

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Buffalo Commons

Buffalo Commons is a network of researchers and partners dedicated to exploring Buffalo-based inquires.

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Good DEEDs for Greater Buffalo

The overarching mission of Good DEEDS is to provide an empirical basis for ensuring that development and community change in and beyond Upstate New York follows the High Road to shared prosperity for all residents, from the present to all future generations.

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COVID-19 Response

Buffalo Commons virtual convening support, upcoming virtual workshops, blog posts, and opportunities to submit research requests and to help us document stories of community groups taking the lead in a time of crisis.

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