Welcome to the Albany Research in Public Administration (ARPA) webpage. ARPA is an independent research entity located in Albany, New York. Our mission is to promote quality research solutions which help public managers. This mission is accomplished on a pro bono basis with no cost to any public managers or other entities. Our research focus is in the areas of public finance and energy regulation issues. We also file professional comments with organizations such as the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), the United States Federal Reserve System, and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
Our 2023 research agenda has commenced with a study concerning the use of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) municipal bonds for local governments in New York State. The report entitled Using Local Government Bonds to Finance Environmental (ESG) Investments is available. The study makes a recommendation to permit local governments to issue ESG bonds. We also have a new report entitled Improving Electricity and Natural Gas Hedging Strategies for New York's Major Utility Companies. During 2023 we will continue to publish our continuing monthly reports on Moody's Investors Service bond ratings for local governments in New York State. We expect to provide new information in 2023 concerning strategic planning for local governments in the area of public finance issues. Sincerely yours, Kevin M. Bronner, Ph.D. January 1, 2023