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Research and Policy

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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Read the Blog
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Buffalo Commons

The Partnership for the Public Good and Cornell University have created a public commons for collective knowledge sharing, impactful applied research, and public policy development. Buffalo Commons is both an in-person platform, fostering these relationships and an online tool, sharing the knowledge of the local area via reports, policy briefs, fact sheets, radio shows, and artistic expressions. Collaborative and democratic in design and purpose, Buffalo Commons hosts a diverse network of faculty, students, practitioners, and community partners.

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Good DEEDs

Data for Equitable Economic Development and Sustainability, or Good DEEDS, is an initiative of the Cornell University School of Industrial Labor Relations (ILR) Buffalo Co-Lab. When fully operational, Good DEEDS will function as a public data repository coupled with High Road Policy, a quarterly issue memorandum and continuous blog.

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NYS Impact 2022

Buffalo Co-Lab NYS Impact

We are pleased announce several reports that draws upon our ILR expertise, research-based data and policy analysis on a broad range of issues affecting NYS workers, unions, communities and employers.  These reports intend to serve as an informative, accessible and relevant resource for New York's policy makers and others.  We hope that you find them useful and look forward to engaging with you to advance the important work that you do related to work, employment and labor.

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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A Power Switch: ILR Buffalo Co-Lab and Partnership for the Public Good Host National Conference

Over 240+ attendees gathered in Buffalo energized around progressive and equitable change.
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A Power Switch: ILR Buffalo Co-Lab and Partnership for the Public Good Host National Conference

Many Low-Income NYers Rely on Costly Cell Plans for Internet Access

Cornell Chronicle
The number of New York households with high-speed internet has increased, but much of that comes exclusively from cellular plans, which could mean that as many as 1.5 million households remain “underconnected,” according to new research from Russell Weaver.
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Many Low-Income NYers Rely on Costly Cell Plans for Internet Access

Join webinar (5/24): Broadband for All? Mapping and Discussing Progress and Remaining Challenges Across NYS

A virtual discussion on 5/24 from 12-1:30pm to present updates to the Digital Equity Portal and discuss policies, strategic planning efforts and community-based initiatives to identify and close gaps in connectivity across New York state.
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Join webinar (5/24): Broadband for All? Mapping and Discussing Progress and Remaining Challenges Across NYS

High Road Fellowships

2025 Application will open November 15th

Engaged learning and applied research fellowships for Cornell students in Buffalo, NY.

Learn more and apply

2019 High Roaders at Northland Workforce Training Center

Student Opportunities

We offer two paid fellowship programs in Buffalo as well as courses on our Ithaca Campus.

  • High Road Fellowships
  • Democracy Summer Fellowships
  • On-Campus courses

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Education and Training

We offer programs designed to train union leaders and those aspiring to lead in organized labor relations.

We also offer specialized training in Health and Safety for inspection and risk assessment, as well as information for practitioners to create safe work places.

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Learn more about our programs

Programs for Unions and Labor Professionals

These courses and certificates are designed to train union leaders and those aspiring to lead in organized labor relations.

Learn more about training for unions and labor professionals

Workplace Health and Safety

Scientific and Technical Expertise Applied to the Work Environment

Workplace Health and Safety
Learn more about programs in workplace health and safety