ITGA members live in 36 states, the UK and Canada, with a collective wealth of expertise and wisdom. The "Compass Corner" is a new feature for ITGA members to share their success stories. How has ITGA benefitted your work, your school or your town? Topics should include problems solved through networking with members, events inspired by ITGA conference presentations, or any issues that is now pointed in a better direction. Compass Corner is a place to gain valuable insights into many challenges we face in our roles as campus and community relationship builders. Come onboard at itga.org/Compass-Corner.

The census is much more than just a head count. It provides a picture of our nation that helps determine where to build new schools, hospitals, and businesses; how federal funding is distributed; and how congressional seats are apportioned. This is why an accurate account is so important, especially with hard-to-reach populations. If you are working on Census 2020 activities on your campus and/or in your community ITGA would like to know more. Please access this link and add information for your campus/community. Related, ITGA will be co-sponsoring a webinar with the U.S Census Bureau on Sep. 25: 2:30-4:00pm (EDT), more details soonest. Please save the date!

Steve Patterson, mayor of Athens, Ohio and ITGA Board member, guested on Cornell University's All Things Equal this week. Mayor Patterson discussed his town-gown journey, from Ohio University faculty to an elected position, while touching on ITGA's strengths and opportunities. All Things Equal is an in-depth conversation on issues of diversity, equity and sustainability. Have an idea for a show on town-gown topics and related ITGA Connections? Connect with ITGA Board member Gary J. Stewart gjs28@cornell.edu.

Two requests from conference this past May: More attention to young professionals and early-career colleagues, and advice on creating and hosting a regional town-gown conference. Regarding the former, ITGA members Larissa Ennis (University of Oregon) and Douglas Shontz (Borough of State College, PA) are creating a committee for young professionals, and will be coordinating a 30-minute call in September with colleagues who'd like to engage. If interested, e-mail Douglas by Labor Day, Sept. 2. On regional conferences, a "101" piece will be circulated by month's end, stay tuned.

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 List-serv and a regularly updated resource center. Contact  Susan@itga.org for more information.