International Town & Gown Association 
College Town Newsletter

January 19, 2017
Welcome to Dateline, a weekly newsletter
highlighting college town news around the world
In This Issue
Call for Proposals Open Until February 1st-Submit Your Session Ideas Today
The ITGA, by Staff Writers
The ITGA is seeking dynamic, interactive and innovative presentations on subjects that provide insight into the many partnerships and topics in which our university communities and institutions of higher education en-gage. The conference program tracks are designed to reflect the broad range of issues and stakeholders involved in building the strong and productive relation-ships needed to impact economic prosperity, strategically plan and implement policies, and support the safety and well-being of our commu-nities. The University of Oregon and the City of Eugene are thrilled to host the 2017 ITGA Conference on May 30-June 2. To see the presentation topic areas, tracks and to submit a proposal, click here. Submissions to present a session at the conference must be received by February 1st. To learn more about the conference, visit our website at www.itga.org. 
UM Students' App Brings Discounts to Users, Supports Local Businesses
Town-Gown Nation News
The Michigan Daily, by Jennifer Meer
Companies in Ann Arbor looking to increase foot traffic and sales can now advertise in nearby locations, serving the local small business community and college stu-dents looking for discounts. Spade, a mobile application, aims to help local small businesses advertise for one another. Spade serves as the middleman between businesses looking to advertise and locations looking to profit, according to Kinesiology sophomore Jake Fleshner, the company's co-founder and chief marketing officer. Spade takes print advertisements from clients-local restaurants, for example and places them in local apartments buildings. Consumers can download the app and take a photo of the ad to unlock the discount. "The beauty for us is that we get to have our idea explored in our college town. We get to have customers who are also our peers...use our products, use the app and get benefits from it." 
Final 'It's On Us' Summit and Report of the White House Task Force 
The White House, by Office of the Press Secretary
Since the beginning of this Administration, the Presi-dent and Vice President have made it a priority to root out sexual misconduct wherever it exists, especially on our nation's college campuses. Today, the White House is proud to host its final event focused on stopping sexual violence against students, the It's On Us Summit. The campaign has three core pillars: consent education, increasing bystander intervention, and creating an environment that supports survivors. This year, It's On Us launched several new programs including a nationwide Student Engagement Program structured into eight regional teams of student  leaders. This spring, each Team will host a Regional Summit to build upon the work of the campaign. Through this series of local summits, It's On Us will train and educate over 800 leaders. For a list of tools and research findings, click here.  
Key UK University Towns Near 'Saturation Point' with Student Homes
Financial Times, by Judith Evans
Investors who have poured billions into student accom-modation over the past two years are likely to be hit by falling student numbers over the coming decade, accor-ding to latest analysis. Investment in purpose-built student homes is set for its second-highest year on record in 2016, but demographic change and a pro-posed reduction in student visas mean demand will weaken over the next decade, according to a study by consultancy EY. At least nine key university towns are already approaching or beyond "saturation point" for purpose-built student blocks, EY's analysts said. These include Coventry, Liverpool, Leicester and Durham. Fergel O'Reilly from EY, who wrote the report, said "second-division" universities would feel the pinch. In  the coming decades, operators will "have to fighter harder than ever to compete for bookings," either by cutting rents or providing the best accommodation available locally, EY said. 
OCADU Looks to Transform Downtown Toronto with Creative City Campus 
Globe and Mail, by Staff Writers
OCAD University announced this week that the design of its new "Creative City Campus" will be led by a Southern California architecture group. The building project will involve a series of renovations and additions to OCADU's campus in Toronto, including a 55,000 square foot addition and 95,000 square food renovation for the main building. According to the lead architect Thom Mayne, this building could redefine the university's relationship with the city and provide the city with a new architectural landmark. "It's a very  interesting challenge," he said. "We've very interested in the education of art, the question is whether we can design an architecture that responds to that process." The effort also includes a renovation and expansion of the university's library, new studio and classroom spaces, a student commons, and the construction of an Indigenous Visual Culture and Student Centre. 
College Station Named One of Best College Towns in the Country
News4SA.com, by Staff Writers
College Station has been named one of the best college towns in the U.S. While it was 7th overall on the American Institute for Economic Research, it ranked number one for bars and restaurants. The report states that the town "comes alive" during the school year, and because it's home to Texas A&M University has "above-average diversity and innovation levels." The downside? They say the town lacks art and entertainment venues and rents are pricey. Boulder, Colorado takes the prize for the top college town this year. The city boasts first place in demographics, quality of life, and economic conditions. The weather is perfect, and the surrounding creeks, trails, and mountains attract those with a mad love of the outdoors. In fact, Boulder became the first U.S. city to tax itself specifically to preserve open space. The AIER's college towns ranking and CDI tool can be found here.   
Join Us On Twitter and LinkedIn
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. 
To learn more about the ITGA and/or discuss partnership opportunities, contact Beth@itga.org
ITGA News and Announcements 
The 2017 ITGA conference registration
is open.

Early Registration closes 
February 1, 2017.

See WHY you should attend the ITGA Conference. 

Interested in hosting the 2018 ITGA conference? 
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