UN-Lincoln, by Kerry McCullough-Vondrak

Great places to live rarely happen by accident. Sought-after cities and neighborhoods take years of planning to develop, maintain and in some cases redevelop. Most cities have areas that are economically depressed and in need of revitalization. Accessing the condition of these older neighborhoods is an important first step in planning for positive change. Graduate students pur-suing the Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been collaborating this semester with NeighborWorks Lincoln, the Lincoln/Lancaster County Planning Department and the City of Lincoln Urban Development Department in the initial stages of community planning in one of Lincoln's older neighborhoods. Residents' concerns about vacant and neglected properties, graffiti, weeds, litter and other safety concerns prompted the collaboration.  

Pelham Daily Voice, by Staff Writers

New Rochelle's Iona College is the town's second-largest private employer which contributes as much as $258.5 million a year to the regional economy, accord-ing to a recent report. The study, conducted on behalf of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Univer-sities (CICU) by the Center for Governmental Research, shows that in 2015 the college spent $99.4 million in wages, providing 1,850 local jobs, and contributed $7.3 million in state income and sales tax. In addition, another $37 million came from student and visitor spending. President Dr. Joseph E. Nyre, noted, "Iona College strives to be a good neighbor to our good neighbors in New Rochelle and the surrounding communities." The study also found that independent colleges and universities have a total statewide impact of $79.6 billion, and the Mid-Hudson Valley, where Iona is located, $4.8 billion. 

Harold & Review, by Huey Freeman

In order to better put to use government resources, the state recently initiated a pilot program in which it gives grants to local agencies to perform inspections of liquor license holders. The goal is to avoid duplication of efforts, said Terry Horstman, spokesman for the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. The Macon County Sheriff's Office is one of about 25 local government agencies statewide that has agreed to participate in the program. In addition to financial assistance, the state is providing training for local inspectors. The sheriff's inspectors began conducting inspections in November, with a target completion date of June 30. "This is the first time partnering for liquor inspection," Horstman said. "At this point the pilot program will continue through June. If successful, state and local agencies will look at continuing.

Pittsburg State University and the City of Pittsburg have long enjoyed a unique partnership that has led to growth both on campus and in the community. Begin-ning in 2017, that partnership will again take another important step. The Center for Innovation and Business Development at Pittsburg State has signed an agree-ment with the City of Pittsburg to assist in the city's economic development efforts. The CIBD will work directly with the city and the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce to retain and grow existing businesses, support entrepreneurship and attract new, innovative busi-nesses and industries. Shawn Naccarato, executive director of the CIBD, said this type of partnership between the university, city and chamber is one of just a few in the nation. Daron Hall, Pittsburg city manager, said the city is excited to work directly with PSU on economic development efforts. 

The Virginian-Pilot, by Staff Writers

The front page of The Wall Street Journal announced that "there's an antidote to America's long economic malaise: college towns." Virginia has many such towns. Norfolk. Newport News. Williamsburg. Charlottesville. Blacksburg. Harrisonburg. Fredericksburg. Farmville. Within each of these communities sits a state institution of higher learning, creating economic strength. The Journal reports, "Counties that are home to a land-grant university have lower unemployment rates than the U.S. overall and bounced back faster from the most recent recession." Why? Because the presence of a university creates a more educated, resilient and adaptive workforce in the community where it resides. Moreover, research facilities facilitate collaboration and innovation, with labor in restaurants, retail, construction and other sources of less-skilled employment, benefitting in indirect but real ways.   

The Orange County Register, by Jonathan Winslow

Chapman University will buy 2.14 acres of vacant land behind its Panther Village from the city for $6.5 million to build more student housing. The Orange City Council approved the sale last week. The property is on the north side of Panther Village, where Chapman Avenue meets the 5 freeway, with no direct access from a public roadway. Chapman President Daniele Struppa has said he wants to increase the number of students living in school-controlled student housing from 36 percent to 50 percent. The university's new presi-dent came in earlier this year amid tensions between the school and resi-dents living in the neighborhoods around the campus who complained of party houses. Struppa said he would like to see on-campus housing become mandatory for freshman and sophomores, reasoning that students will be more mature by the time they move off campus into the community.  

A growing and impressive group of professionals from campus communities across the globe continue to network and share strategies for improving town and gown relations. Join us on Twitter and LinkedIn.  

The ITGA strengthens town and gown partnerships by providing a network of professionals and resources, identifying and sharing leading practices, innovative solutions and professional development opportunities for municipal and university communities.