Two years ago, ICMA and the International Town-Gown Association (ITGA) signed an affiliation agreement to advance the strategic objectives of both organizations. Through membership development, information sharing, and other services, ICMA and ITGA advance high-quality, professional local governance and promote strong relationships between institutions of higher education and the communities in which they reside. This affiliation agreement has led to sessions at each other’s conferences and joint participation in the annual International Town-Gown Assessment Survey.

SURVEY OPPORTUNITY - DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 15

The ITGA survey collects information about the unique issues and opportunities facing universities and the communities in which they reside. The goals of the survey are to collect valuable information on town-gown topics, identify model projects that may be recognized as best of class, and track trends in town-gown relations over time. 

Model projects identified through the survey are honored with the ImpACT awards, presented to Communities Putting Practice into Action. ImpACT Award winners develop case studies focusing on the hurdles and springboards in town-gown relations and present these case studies at the annual ITGA conference in June.  Recipients are also awarded a $500 honorarium. 

The data collected through the survey represent an important step in establishing key performance metrics with value to elected officials, local government managers and administrators, planners, and public safety managers in cities that host universities. The survey data also provides valuable information for college and university administration, faculty, and staff to help create strong, vibrant college towns. The survey will

Participate in the survey, which will remain open until September 15, 2015.

Participating institutions, community members, and local governments will receive a copy of the survey results summary upon request. Questions about the survey can be e-mailed to survey@programmanagers.com. Participants completing the survey will be eligible for a drawing for a joint local government-university membership or a complimentary pass to the ITGA conference in June 2016.

To learn more about ITGA, the ITGA conference, and membership, visit itgau.org or contact Beth Bagwell at beth@itgau.org