Town Gown

Is it just me, or does it seem that a lot of the fanfare and perhaps even innovation around town-gown relations is more muted these days? Static? Complacent? Tired? Maybe I am missing creative solutions and exciting developments. What would I do to shake things up? Expand internships, placements, etc. Damn near “require” that the CEO/chief elected of the main muni and the applicable County present and meet with College leadership 1-2x a year, perhaps at a cabinet or Board meeting. Ditto that in reverse. I would ask for time at classes for guest lectures from local government reps. I would have election events to encourage voting. I would have law and code enforcement meetings regularly. Economic development would be roped in to hear about research, business incubation and how the local gov’ts can be of assistance there. I would offer volunteer opportunities for the students at departments and programs. I would host job fairs for juniors/seniors.