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Special Analysis

According to the Long Island Index 2008, developing attractive downtown areas could be a source of new affordable housing. Findings indicate that 85% of Long Islanders currently live in single-family homes, though one third of residents would prefer a housing option in a downtown area, in an apartment, condominium, duplex or townhouse.  This option is especially attractive to singles, couples without children, empty nesters and residents over 65 who placed high value on living close to a downtown, being able to walk to amenities and having a home with low maintenance needs.

As reported in the 2008 Index, successful regions recognize and utilize their assets.  Long Island’s more than 100 downtowns are a valuable asset, but for the past 50 years the majority of them have been neglected and underutilized. According to Ann Golob, Project Director, Long Island Index, “Downtowns are the key to Long Island’s survival.  They have the potential to provide the affordable housing units that Long Island needs in order to retain young workers and retirees, both are essential to the region’s economic and social future – and without changing the communities’ appealing character.  Moreover, an overwhelming majority of public opinion supports redeveloping walkable, sustainable downtown centers are crucial to creating new homes and jobs.”

Climate Change and Conservation

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Five years ago, not many Americans knew what a carbon footprint was, or how to reduce theirs. Now, with reusable shopping bags, hybrid vehicles, energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, it seems that people have begun to realize the danger the planet is in and are taking steps to reduce global warming.

A Study of Local Governmental Expenditures and Revenues

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To summarize the results presented in the first four Index reports, it is clear that Long Island has a large number of local governmental entities that local government expenditures are large and growing, and that local taxpayers are paying for 79% of the total cost of local government. In order to measure changes in the cost of local government, the Index has developed a database
that provides a nine-year history of local government expenditures and revenues for Long Island, and comparable figures for local governments and school districts in the rest of New York state (excluding New York City). By tracking changes going forward from this baseline information, Long Islanders will be able to determine whether or not efforts to reduce the cost of local government are effective.