Abstract
Town-gown relations can have far-reaching impacts on a community. This qualitative case study examines the relationship between Utah Valley University and Orem, Utah, and how that relationship impacts the quality of life of residents as well as regional economic development. Through the use of interviews of 11 city and university administration members and the Optimal College Town Assessment (OCTA) survey questions sent to approximately 400 community leaders and neighbors of the university, information was gathered about the state of the relationship and the impacts the relationship has on the broader community. The findings of this study support research conducted in the field of town-gown relations, while examining more in depth the impact that the relationship has on the community, rather than the relationship itself. The findings show the various impacts that the city and university have on the quality of life of residents who live near the university as well as the economic impacts on the region.|Keywords: Town-gown relations, university, city, college town, quality of life, communication, master planning, economic development, student housing.