ITGA and the Canadian Town and Gown Association Establish Strategic Membership Affiliation to Advance Town–Gown Collaboration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 1, 2026
The International Town & Gown Association (ITGA) and the Canadian Town and Gown Association (CTGA) have entered into a Strategic Membership Affiliation Agreement, formalizing a new partnership designed to strengthen collaboration, professional development, and shared learning across town–gown communities.
The agreement establishes CTGA as an Affiliate Member of ITGA for an initial two-year term and reflects a shared commitment to advancing best practices in town–gown relations. This affiliation builds on ITGA’s growing portfolio of international partnerships, including its existing agreement with the United Kingdom Town and Gown Association (UKTGA), and underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting and engaging its international members.
“ITGA is proud to formalize this affiliation with CTGA,” said Beth Bagwell, Executive Director of ITGA. “Our partnership not only supports the growth of both associations but also enhances our collective ability to share best practices and advance meaningful town–gown relationships.”
Under the agreement, CTGA members will receive access to ITGA member-only resources, professional development opportunities, training and certificate programs, and member pricing on events and services. The affiliation also promotes transparency and information sharing through regular membership and financial reporting.
“This agreement marks an important step in strengthening the partnership between ITGA and CTGA,” said Ian Murray, ITGA board member and president of the Canadian association. “By aligning our efforts and sharing resources, we advance our shared goals of fostering strong relationships between campuses and their surrounding communities. This collaboration underscores the value of intentional planning to address common challenges and build vibrant, inclusive communities.”
Key elements of the affiliation include:
- Affiliate membership for CTGA within ITGA, providing CTGA members access to ITGA benefits and services;
- Reciprocal board representation, with each organization reserving one seat on its Board of Directors for a designated representative of the other;
- Ongoing collaboration to support professional development, knowledge exchange, and membership engagement;
“This affiliate agreement reflects the shared commitment of ITGA and CTGA to strengthening campus–community partnerships through collaboration and global perspective,” said Greg McDanel, ITGA President and City Manager of Seaside, California. “Together, we are expanding opportunities for knowledge exchange while advancing ITGA’s goal of becoming a truly international organization and delivering greater value to our members worldwide.”
As ITGA continues to expand its international reach, partnerships such as this affiliation with the Canadian Town and Gown Association highlight the organization’s dedication to building strong, connected communities through global collaboration, shared leadership, and innovative approaches to town–gown engagement.
For more information about the Canadian Town and Gown Association, visit www.ctga.ca.
About ITGA
The International Town and Gown Association (ITGA) is the only global nonprofit dedicated exclusively to strengthening partnerships between colleges and universities and their host communities. Founded in 2008 and based in Clemson, South Carolina, ITGA equips leaders with the resources, education, and connections they need to navigate today’s most pressing town–gown challenges and opportunities. Our diverse network of higher education administrators, elected officials, community organizations, and campus neighbors collaborate on high-impact issues including economic development, sustainability, housing, diversity and inclusion, quality of life, and civic engagement—turning shared challenges into lasting community solutions.