President Christopher L. Eisgruber and municipal officials discussed on March 23 the ways higher education institutions such as Princeton University contribute to the local community and nation through teaching, research, service missions, and public resources like the new Princeton University Art Museum.
The annual conversation between Eisgruber and the Princeton Mayor and Council highlighted shared interests in areas such as mass transit, educational access, entrepreneurship, innovation, arts, and community service. These discussions are seen as important for strengthening collaboration between the university and municipality.
“This is a partnership that matters to the University and the town,” Eisgruber said to municipal leaders. “Thank you for what you do on behalf of this place that we all cherish.” Town officials expressed appreciation for ongoing voluntary contributions from the university to local organizations, noting that Princeton University is also the largest property taxpayer in town with $9.5 million paid in property and sewer taxes in 2025.
Councilmember Leticia Fraga said: “Our annual meeting where we discuss shared goals and initiatives that enhance the quality of the campus and community has always been one of my favorites. I want to take this opportunity to personally thank the University for being such a strong and valued partner throughout my time on the Council.”
Council President Michelle Pirone Lambros thanked Princeton University for supporting a new bus route coordinated with TigerTransit to expand free public transit options. Councilmember Leighton Newlin discussed continued partnerships aimed at making Princeton more livable and affordable. Officials also noted excitement about Time magazine naming the new art museum one of its World’s Greatest Places of 2026.
Councilmember Brian McDonald said: “These institutions have been our country’s main drivers of discovery, innovation and advances in healthcare, technology and national security. What can we do, and what can members of our community do, to support the University and its peer institutions?”
Eisgruber encouraged residents: “We need everybody to be standing up — not just for Princeton but for higher education in this country and what it does,” inviting them to join Stand Up for Princeton initiatives.
Mayor Mark Freda concluded: “We should all stand up as one community… At the end of the day, we are all one. What happens to one impacts the other.” Despite facing federal cuts to research funding along with rising costs leading to budget reductions on campus, Eisgruber said Princeton remains committed both academically and locally.
