The New York Region: The Apple Still Shines

This article appeared in the GAO Review, Vol. 15, Issue 3, Summer 1980. There has been a GAO presence in New York for about 30 years, with satellite offices in Syracuse, Schenectady, and Long Island as the workload of the various eras dictated. An Albany sublocation was established in response to the growing emphasis on reviewing grants to States. Dramatic changes have taken place in the work which is done in the region. Over the past several years, the office has been heavily and continuously involved in work dealing with income security, health, law enforcement, energy, environmental problems, mass transit, and manpower and employment training programs. The office has also played a prominent part in monitoring the ability of New York City to repay the Federal loans which saved it from bankruptcy, the summer program for economically disadvantaged youth, and an assessment of the effect of statehood on Puerto Rico. The regional office has developed an expertise in such support functions as recruiting, training, and career development. Its 3-year orientation and training program was the first of its kind in GAO. It was also the first regional office to develop a formal and comprehensive staff handbook, collecting and interpreting GAO national policies for regionwide application.