DeKALB – Northern Illinois University administrator Bill Nicklas downplayed any rift in the relationship between the university and city Thursday, a day after Mayor Kris Povlsen criticized NIU for failing to send a representative to a public hearing on city housing issues.

Nicklas, associate vice president for university planning and sustainability, said NIU was committed to improving housing and safety in the city, as evidenced by his participation in the mayor’s housing task force and the $60,000 the university pledged for a city-initiated housing study.

Nicklas said he was unable to attend Wednesday’s public hearing because of work commitments and wanted to give those who have not weighed in on housing issues a chance to voice their opinions after he has had a voice in the project the past eight months.