Dr. Benjamin was appointed by the governor as a member of the NYS Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness.

In collaboration with the NYS Department of State, Dr. Benjamin wrote papers with Rachel John for the SMSI program of the department. His papers are available on the NYS Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness Web site.

Dr. Benjamin led in the development of Ulster county's first Charter and supporting transition to a Charter-based county government for Ulster County, New York.