As colleges and communities across the United States gear up to tackle the 2020 Census, the ITGA is offering a free webinar Sept. 25: M aking the 2020 Census Count.  Whether you've had experience with the Census or are new to the process, this webinar will provide a foundation to build your local action plan. Our team will present important Census Bureau information, and provide examples from three college towns, including  why the Census data is vital, strategies for a complete count, and outreach for hard-to-reach populations. To register, click here . For immediate questions, write  Beth@itga.org .   Thanks to everyone for your interest in all things ITGA, including our webinar on the 2020 Census.

The first-ever town-gown Texas symposium is set for Oct. 30. Sign-up now for this inaugural gathering of government and higher-education leadership from Texas college towns, sponsored by the City of San Marcos and Texas State University, 9am-3pm, Oct 30. Registration is $25 and includes a catered lunch. Seating is limited to 100 attendees. This important symposium will bring together policy makers and “boots-on-the-ground” personnel to discuss common town-gown issues, and create new contacts and networks. This event will be a good fit for on-and-off campus leaders including law enforcement, planners, code enforcement/compliance, student affairs, neighborhood groups, and others. For more information and to register, click here .

Earlier this month in Grand Forks ND, the second annual " Longest Table” event was held, connecting more than 900 University of North Dakota (UND) students and year-round residents. The first communal supper was held last year after Gov. Doug Burgum visited to promote his Main Street Initiative and help attract a 21st century workforce. According to the Grand Forks Herald ,  the dinner event has guests seated randomly at tables with question cards to help facilitate the conversations on community issues and opportunities. This year’s goal was to gather information about the University Avenue Corridor, which runs from Columbia Road to North Third Street.  The event also included a survey for a master planning study that will reimagine public spaces in Grand Forks.  Would you like student engagement in your ITGA college town to be highlighted in this space? If so, send an email to outreach@itga.org .

ITGA's growing network of members, now in 36 U.S. states, the U.K. and Canada, continues to break new ground in addressing today's town-gown challenges and opportunities. Our collective populations and missions are diverse in nature and cover every aspect of progressive college town life, from quality-of-life issues to economic development. Among many benefits, members receive weekly newsletters, and have access to the ITGA Listserv and a regularly updated resource center. Contact  Susan@itga.org  for more information.