U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Pete Lopez addressed Cornell University's Town/Gown Conference on Sustainability in Ithaca, New York before a gathering of local officials and members of the New York State higher education community. Among other topics, Mr. Lopez emphasized the role that EPA's Superfund and Brownfields programs have in promoting community revitalization and the importance of large-scale renewable energy projects in creating local jobs. "The Regional Administrator's presence and remarks were very much appreciated by a diverse group of stakeholders, ranging from village trustees in Potsdam, to top campus leadership from Cornell, SUNY Buffalo and elsewhere," said Cornell Associate Vice President for Community Relations Gary Stewart. Environmental Protection Agency

State and University of Maryland leaders gathered in Annapolis, Maryland for the launch of a research and education institute that unites engineering, planning, social sciences, computer sciences, business, public policy and public health experts. The Maryland Transportation Institute will coordinate more than $20 million in annual research expenditures to spur innovation in the transportation sector. The institute leverages the largest transportation data and data analytics center in the nation and a U.S Department of Transportation-designated National University Transportation Center. UMD Right Now

After years of moving in seemingly opposite directions, Ball State University and Muncie have forged stronger, collaborative relations. The so-called "town-gown divide" is disappearing. This was a conclusion one could draw after listening to university President Geoffrey S. Mearns and Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler at Friday's opening night of the Benjamin V. Cohen Peace Conference on campus. Mearns said he was struck by a conversation with an undergraduate student who asked how students could do more to help the city. Tyler credited Ball State with helping through the Better Neighborhood programs and creating neighborhood associations. In 2012 there were four; today there are 27. Star Press

Wellington County and the City of Guelph are joining forces to enter a national competition with a chance to win a $10-million prize. "The overall vision of this challenge is to provide a technical solution to solve a social problem," explained Cathy Kennedy, Guelph's manager of policy and intergovernmental relations. Barb Swartzentruber, executive director, innovation and intergovernmental services for Guelph explained, "We have a number of important food clusters here...such as the Taste Real campaign and the opportunity to partner with 'Canada's Food University' as the University of Guelph is labeling themselves, as well as the tremendous work that our community agencies have done in the area of food security."

The Wellington Advertiser

Dover is unlocking the potential of its historic downtown with a new marketing campaign highlighting opportunities for small business owners ready to take their business dreams to the next level. State and local officials led by Gov. John Carney; Linda Parkowski, acting director of the Delaware Division of Small Business and Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen today unveiled the "Unlock the Block" campaign, an effort to fill vacant commercial spaces in downtown Dover. Tenants will be selected through a pitch competition judged by local experts. Those selected will receive a combination of incentives, and assistance including fee waivers, free business consulting services, technical assistance and cash incentives. Delaware.Gov

Northampton County prosecutors will host a summit on college drinking to come up with ways to better protect students from alcohol-related mishaps, District Attorney John Morganelli announced Tuesday. The presidents of the county's four colleges and universities have agreed to participate. Morganelli said, which comes amid the September alcohol-related death of Lafayette College freshman McCrae Williams and a recent decision by Lehigh University's fraternity council to ban hard liquor at Greek events. Morganelli billed the conference as a chance to brainstorm ways to address drinking at the four campuses and potentially outline a unified strategy toward keeping students safe. The Morning Call