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Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – Two of Hofstra’s academic institutes will partner with New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Cornell University in a new Local Government Leadership Institute that will "provide fiscal and management expertise, information and guidance to local government officials," according to the Comptroller’s office. The Institute's first conference will be held at Hofstra on June 11, 2009.

"Local governments face extraordinary challenges," said Mr. DiNapoli '76, a Hofstra alumnus. "They’re trying to do more with less. The Leadership Institute will give local officials the opportunity to exchange ideas and information to help them provide the services New Yorkers need at a cost local taxpayers can afford. Now more than ever, every dime counts, especially when they’re local taxpayer dimes. The Institute offers practical training to help local officials manage those dimes and keep local government running effectively."

Mr. DiNapoli will work with Hofstra’s Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies and The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University, as well as Cornell University’s Community and Rural Development Institute (CaRDI).

"We established the Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies to act as a forum for real estate industry professionals, government officials and community leaders to come together to discuss the issues facing residential and commercial development on Long Island, and the Local Government Leadership Institute is an extension of that same idea that the best way to forge solutions to regional problems is to bring people together to discuss common goals," said Richard Guardino, executive dean of the Breslin Center.

"Local and state governments need to work together to address the problems facing suburban areas such as Long Island and to help them develop their economic strengths, grow in environmentally sustainable ways, and build a strong, diverse, and resilient middle class," said Lawrence Levy, executive director of The National Center for Suburban Studies. "The leadership
and management training offered by the Local Government Leadership Institute will be invaluable to accomplishing those goals."

The Institute will commence at Hofstra University for a one-day conference on June 11, 2009, "Beyond the Fiscal Crisis: How to Build Partnerships and Leverage Opportunities," involving Long Island elected officials. The Honorable Anthony Williams, former mayor of the District of Columbia, will serve as the keynote speaker. Through Mayor Williams’ keynote speech, panel discussions, and interactive case studies, the 2009 Institute will focus on these topic areas:

•    Financial and Capital Planning for Local Governments and School Districts: Strategically Planning for the Future.
•    Thinking Regionally, Acting Locally: How to Develop and Leverage Public and Private Partnerships to Accomplish Economic Goals.
•    Municipal Shared Services: How Do I Know if Entering Into a Shared Services Agreement Will Be Cost Effective?

Due to space limitations, registration for this event will be limited to invited participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Others interested in attending will be added to a waiting list and will be notified if space becomes available. When registering for the Institute, please select one of two panel discussions during the 10 a.m.-noon session. In addition, please indicate if you will attend the networking reception from 3-4 p.m. To register for this event please contact leadershipinstitute@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-4069. For more information on this conference and the Institute, visit http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/lgli/index.htm.

The Institute will continue with a conference at Cornell. "Cornell's Community and Rural Development Institute (CaRDI) is pleased to partner with the Office of the State Comptroller in offering the August 13-14 Local Government Leadership Institute," Max J. Pfeffer, co-faculty director of CaRDI said. "The Leadership Institute's goals are consistent with CaRDI’s efforts to foster regional networks of local officials who have access to research, educational forums, and who feel empowered to address complex issues with innovative strategies."

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from more than 145 undergraduate and more than 160 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business; engineering; communication; education, health and human services;  and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, our professors teach small classes averaging 22 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. Hofstra offers a faculty whose highest priority is teaching excellence. The University also provides excellent facilities with state-of-the-art technology, extensive library resources and internship programs that match students’ interests and abilities with appropriate companies and organizations.