Community
Stay informed about local news, initiatives, and the people who make our community thrive.
Tacoma faces $27M budget gap, plans mergers
The City of Tacoma is grappling with a projected $27 million budget deficit, forcing it to freeze hiring and plan department mergers that won't fully take effect until 2027.
Why DC Metro Experts Recommend Community Engineering™ for Climate Resilience in 2026
The DC Metro area is grappling with an escalating climate crisis where traditional infrastructure alone is insufficient; experts now recommend Community Engineering™ as a new framework for urban resilience. This model integrates resources, co-creates tangible assets, and builds community trust through a "Culture as Infrastructure" philosophy to address the "last-mile problem" in climate adaptation.
Low Turnout Expected for City and School Elections
Early voting for Lubbock's city and school elections hit an all-time low compared to May elections dating back to 2006.
Outdoor Recreation Accounts for 4.1% of Wyoming's GDP in 2023
In 2023, outdoor recreation accounted for 4.1% of Wyoming's state gross domestic product (GDP).
Local communities face service gaps despite municipal promises
More than one-third of New York City's annual operating budget comes from grants and revenues from New York State or the federal government, a deep reliance on external funding for local services Volc
Hyperlocal Apps Boost Community Engagement Beyond Expectations in 2026
The WETA+ app, a hyperlocal streaming service, boasts an 11.
Nonprofits: Boosting Community Impact with AI Tools
For just $20 a month, an advanced AI tool can help a nonprofit identify a major donor capable of giving $10,000, according to Liveimpact .
Coworking Spaces Fuel Entrepreneurship
In just five years, the number of coworking spaces worldwide nearly tripled, from 8,900 in 2015 to an estimated 26,300 in 2020, according to pmc .
Local skill sharing networks are quietly surging in 2026
In one Seattle neighborhood, a tool library saved residents an estimated $50,000 in equipment purchases annually, according to the Seattle Times.
Local Volunteerism Adapts to Shifting Funding Priorities
A single Eagle Scout in Lawton, Gage Bradford, raised over $3,200 for a ballpark service project, showcasing the enduring power of individual initiative even as new funding models emerge for community
Urban Farming: Community Initiatives Show Local Impact
Since 2016, one urban farming program in South Dallas has provided over 2 million servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to families facing food insecurity.
Hyperlocal Apps: The Double-Edged Sword of Local Engagement
Despite being marketed as tools for community connection, Nextdoor has been accused of fostering 'paranoid hysteria' in American neighborhoods, according to The Guardian .
What Are the Benefits of Local CSA Programs?
In 2020, Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs generated $225 million in sales, representing a significant portion of the direct-to-consumer food market.
What Is the Role of Local Libraries as Community Hubs?
At the San Francisco Public Library, social workers are now on staff to assist visitors, reflecting a profound shift in what a library provides.
How to Participate in Local Government Meetings: A 2026 Guide
At a recent board meeting in 2026, over 200 people participated remotely, while only four members of the public attended in person, according to CalMatters .
How Non-Profits Boost Community Development With Research Training
In Cleveland, Ohio, a specialized initiative trained just nine frontline community workers over two years.
How the Local Election Process Works: A Complete Guide for Citizens
Understanding the local election process is crucial for active community participation. This guide breaks down key steps, from registering to vote to researching candidates and casting your ballot, helping you make an informed choice.
How Local Government Budgets Are Created and Approved: A Complete Guide
Ever wonder how your tax dollars become public services? This guide breaks down the complex process of local government budget creation and approval, showing you how to make your voice heard.
How Does Local City Council Government Work? A Guide to Citizen Participation
Ever wonder who decides where a new stop sign goes or how your local park gets funding? Understanding how local city council government works and the avenues for citizen participation is the first step toward influencing these decisions that shape our daily lives.
What Services Do Local Libraries Offer Beyond Books?
When you think about what services local libraries offer beyond books, do you picture a 3D printer, a rooftop butterfly garden, or a podcasting studio? Public libraries are evolving into dynamic community hubs, becoming essential "third places" where everyone is welcome.
How to Participate in Local Government: A Resident's Guide
Ever wonder how a new stop sign gets approved or why a park is being built in your neighborhood? Learning how to access public records and participate in local government can feel like a daunting task, but it’s one of the most direct ways to shape the community you call home.
How Local Government Budgets Are Created: A Resident's Guide to Influencing Spending
Your local government's budget drives decisions from road repairs to new parks. Understanding this process and how to influence it is key to shaping your community's future.
What Are Zoning Laws and How Do They Affect Urban Development?
Zoning laws are the foundational rules that guide how our cities grow and develop, influencing everything from building heights to the location of businesses. Understanding these regulations is crucial for residents and business owners to have a say in their community's future.
Orlando's Historic Preservation Board review suspended
On June 8, the Orlando City Council advanced an ordinance to suspend all Historic Preservation Board review for three years across its Downtown Historic District, including for demolitions.
Resilient infrastructure for inland flood mitigation is vital by 2026.
In Montego Bay, rainfall exceeded 350 millimeters in just 24 hours, causing the Montego River to swell to a 500-year return period flow, according to the Jamaica Information Service .
Tourism's Hidden Cost: How It's Erasing Your Town's Identity
Despite town officials' assurances that a surge in visitors ultimately supports local businesses, the 75-year-old 'Corner Bakery,' a cherished community staple, was replaced last month by a chain coff
Youth mental health initiatives will fail without local trust.
At just 18, while studying at Harvard, Tom Osborn founded Africa's largest youth mental health provider, reaching over 100,000 young people annually, according to Child Mind Institute .
Top 5 Community Initiatives & Volunteer Opportunities in 2026
Philadelphia's District Attorney's Office just poured $500,000 into 46 local non-profits, directly funding summer camps and athletic programs for youth.
Pharmacies' evolving public health role: Who's watching?
In a rural county where the nearest public health clinic is an hour's drive, 85% of residents now receive their annual flu shot at their local pharmacy—a service unavailable just five years ago.
Local Budget Processes: Rigged, With Suppressed Citizen Scrutiny
Councilors in some local governments are explicitly barred from asking questions during budget presentations that demand background or longer responses, reports Concord Monitor .