Derek Molina
Local Editor
Derek Molina is a dedicated local journalist with a passion for community reporting. Before joining City & Local, Derek worked as a beat reporter for the 'Community Chronicle,' where he won an award for his series on local business growth. He also spearheaded a project highlighting the revitalization efforts in the historic district, earning him recognition from the city council. Derek is committed to providing residents with the information they need to stay connected and engaged with their neighborhoods.
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Latest Articles
Urban development impacts green spaces, prioritizes housing needs
Rochester's City Council approved the sale of a half-acre Charlotte Street green space for $150,000 on April 21, 2026.
May 30, 2026 · 2 min read
What is neighborhood rezoning and how does it affect property values?
In Minneapolis, houses within city limits saw a 3-5% increase in sales price compared to those just outside, immediately following a major neighborhood rezoning initiative where 87% of high redevelopm
May 30, 2026 · 4 min read
Local Government Operations and Citizen Participation
Community opposition to local projects, often driven by a vocal few, has cost America over $1 trillion annually in the past decade.
May 29, 2026 · 4 min read
Your City's Public Transportation Guide
A daily commuter in our city saves over $3,000 annually by choosing public transportation instead of a private vehicle, even considering ride-share alternatives, according to a City Transit Authority
May 29, 2026 · 4 min read
Commercially curated city guides boost urban discovery, but at what cost?
In 2023, brand-sponsored city guides saw a 40% increase in engagement compared to traditional travel blogs, according to an AdWeek Report .
May 29, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are Local Zoning Ordinances and How Do They Shape Neighborhoods?
In 2023, the City of Charlotte's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) began permitting duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes, along with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), in all residential zones without
May 29, 2026 · 4 min read
Racine's 2026 Budget Passes: Lower Rate, Higher Levy
In Racine, Wisconsin, the Common Council approved a 2026 budget that reduces the property tax rate to $11.
May 29, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 5 Hidden Gem Farmers Markets in Chippewa Valley You Must Visit
Last Saturday, a small market in Altoona sold out its heirloom tomatoes and artisanal cheeses by 9 AM, long before the city's largest market even saw its peak crowd.
May 27, 2026 · 5 min read
What is Local Historic Designation and Why Does It Matter?
National Register Historic Districts, despite their prestigious title, provide no protections from demolition or inappropriate development by private property owners.
May 27, 2026 · 5 min read
New Guide Reveals Chicago's Expanding 2026 Ice Cream Scene
Chicago's ice cream scene is expansive.
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Sueños Fest Amidst Immigration Campaigns and Latino Pride
Amidst the vibrant beats of J Balvin and Kali Uchis, attendees at Chicago's Sueños Music Festival felt an 'extra importance' this Memorial Day weekend.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
Forever Mine Festival Debuts in Chicago with Y2K House Nostalgia
In a city already packed with summer music events, the inaugural Forever Mine Festival is set to debut in Union Park, not just with headliners like Kaytranada and Monica, but with a mission to celebra
May 24, 2026 · 3 min read
J Balvin Kicks Off Sueños Music Festival 2026 in Chicago
Amidst the pulsating beats of J Balvin's headlining set at Sueños Festival, the global superstar paused to speak on mental health and acknowledge immigrants, transforming a party into a powerful cultu
May 24, 2026 · 2 min read
Neon Paddle returns to Ping Tom Park for second season
For $105, Chicagoans can now glide through the city's waterways on LED-lit, motorized paddleboards.
May 20, 2026 · 2 min read
Visa and Men in Blazers Launch Fan-Powered City Guides
Over 25,000 fan recommendations, gathered through a nationwide survey, now drive the new Men in Blazers City Guides, offering hyper-local insights into soccer culture across North America.
May 20, 2026 · 2 min read
Santa Monica's Tourism Boom Threatens Neighborhoods, But a Solution Exists.
Despite generating an estimated $917 million in annual spending for its local economy, Santa Monica faces a projected structural General Fund operating deficit of $29.
May 20, 2026 · 3 min read
What are Community Land Trusts and why do they matter for affordable housing?
More than 350,000 affordable rental homes could vanish by 2030, a looming crisis projected by Grounded Solutions that threatens to displace countless families and destabilize urban neighborhoods.
May 20, 2026 · 3 min read
Role of Neighborhood Associations in Oklahoma City
In Oklahoma City, local neighborhood groups, often dismissed as mere social clubs, are demonstrably boosting resident engagement with city hall and improving overall community contentment.
May 20, 2026 · 6 min read
What Is Zoning and How Does It Shape Neighborhood Development?
In San Francisco, zoning laws once dictated that only members of the immediate family one generation out could live together, with the sole exception of live-in servants.
May 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Neighborhoods Can't Balance History and Modernity Without Comprehensive Plans
In Excelsior, Minnesota, a proposal to redevelop the historic Dock Cinema property has sparked a heated debate, not over whether to preserve history, but over how much of it can be sacrificed for futu
May 19, 2026 · 2 min read