University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

Published: January 18, 2007

By RACHEL M. TEAMAN
Reporter Contributor

In a move designed to highlight its regions-focused mission, UB's Institute for Local Governance and Regional Growth has changed its name to the University at Buffalo Regional Institute.

The renaming was announced yesterday at a gathering of Buffalo Niagara leaders at the institute, which is located in Beck Hall on the South Campus.

"The 'Regional Institute' more clearly—and more succinctly—conveys our focus here at the institute, which is to promote regional progress by building understanding around critical regional governance and policy issues," said Kathryn A. Foster, institute director.

The institute also unveiled a fresh look, with a new logo and Web site that connects users to data, reports, research tools and projects on topics such as regional governance and economies, public policy and demographic change.

Foster also announced the kickoff of the institute's 10th-anniversary year, which will culminate with a major event in the fall. The institute was founded in October 1997 as part of UB's public service mission.

"This is an exciting time for the institute—we're shedding light on key regional issues in new ways and with renewed vigor, while building on the institute's strong foundation established over the past decade," said Foster, who was appointed institute director in September 2005 after the retirement of founding director John B. Sheffer II.

In the past year, the institute has aligned with the UB Law School; launched the Regional Knowledge Network, an online tool for regional data, maps and other resources; inaugurated a monthly series of Policy Briefs with data and analysis of regional issues; and initiated Region's Edge, a research program on cross-border issues for the binational Buffalo-Niagara region.

Sheffer, who remains with the Regional Institute as a senior fellow, said the name change is the "right move at the right time."

"The new name brings focused attention to the purpose of the institute just as it is strategically adapting to new challenges in the region," he said.

Nils Olsen, dean and professor of law in the UB Law School, noted: "With the institute as a unit of the Law School, we have been able to tap important research synergies in public policy and governance. As the Regional Institute approaches its 10th anniversary, we look forward to more cross-disciplinary partnerships that help illuminate regional issues."

Marsha S. Henderson, vice president for external affairs, noted that since its founding, the Regional Institute has been "an integral part of strengthening the university's community impact. With a new name and a fresh look, the institute will continue to make important contributions to our region by framing issues, informing decisions and guiding change."

Central to the institute's work on regions has always been the engagement of stakeholders from Buffalo Niagara's public, private and nonprofit sectors. "Having this practical perspective on regional issues has been critical to the success of the institute's research initiatives," Foster said.

Thomas E. Baker, past president of the John R. Oishei Foundation, a frequent partner in institute initiatives, noted: "The Regional Institute has been an essential resource for the community—providing reliable information and compelling analysis on the challenges and questions that we confront on a daily basis. We believe the change in the name will help people have a more focused understanding of the institute's work, and we applaud it."

The Regional Institute plays a vital role in addressing governance and quality-of-life issues in the Buffalo-Niagara region. A major research and public service unit of UB and a unit of the UB Law School, the institute leverages the resources of the university and binational community to pursue a wide range of scholarship, projects and initiatives that inform regional challenges.