Community
Stay informed about local news, initiatives, and the people who make our community thrive.
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.
From National Overviews to City Explainers: How to Find the Right Local Government Participation Guide
Finding the right local government participation guide requires matching resources to your specific needs, whether country, community, or topic. The article outlines different types of guides, from national overviews to city-specific explainers, to help residents engage effectively.
Wellness Beyond the Gym: Three Kinds of Community Programs, Three Different Health Goals
Community wellness extends beyond traditional gyms, manifesting in three key areas: nutritional access programs, physical fitness initiatives in public spaces, and mental/social support offerings. Each type addresses distinct health goals, promoting a holistic approach to public health.
When and How to Influence Your City's Budget: A Resident's Guide to the Four-Stage Cycle
Understanding your city's annual budget cycle is key to influencing local spending. By engaging early in the planning stages, residents can effectively advocate for their priorities before final decisions are made.
Zoning Laws: Shaping Urban Development and Community Life
Zoning laws are local regulations that divide land into zones, dictating permissible uses and building characteristics to shape urban development. While intended to promote orderly growth and community well-being, they also face criticism for contributing to housing affordability issues and urban inequality.
How to Find Local Volunteer Programs for 2026: A Complete Guide
Thousands of volunteer opportunities across the country are now just a few clicks away, with platforms like Volunteer streamlining the application process for civic-minded individuals.
How to Start a Community Garden: A Complete Guide
In urban areas, a well-placed community garden can actively combat the 'heat-island effect,' significantly cooling its immediate surroundings, according to Productiveparks .
City rankings boost pride but can displace long-term residents
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, earned the No.
Local resource fairs are crucial for community well-being.
In Southern California, 64.
Local businesses are the bedrock of community resilience and economic stability.
Small businesses, despite making up 99.
Local governments are failing on budget transparency, undermining public services by 2026.
Montgomery County Council member Laurie-Anne Sayles took 11 trips outside the region on taxpayer funds since 2022, including one to Maui that coincided with critical budget decisions like potential cu
Hybrid Meetings Aren't Boosting Public Participation, They're Streamlining Access.
In Huntington Beach, virtual public comments are resuming via Zoom, offering residents an accessible way to engage with city council meetings.
Local Governments Face 2026 Challenge to Boost Transparency
The Allen Parish Police Jury voted to prohibit police jurors or anyone acting on behalf of the parish from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to economic development projects, according
Local services face devastating impact from budget cuts in 2026.
By 2028, the county council and seven district councils in Norfolk, UK, will cease to exist, replaced by just three unitary authorities, a stark example of how budget pressures are reshaping local gov
Community repair events boost sustainability and neighborhood bonds.
Last year alone, volunteers at nearly 160 community repair cafe events fixed more than 7,400 items, demonstrating a powerful, grassroots counter to the throwaway culture, according to insideclimatenew
Local governments waste millions on 'budget turkeys,' starving essential services.
Florida TaxWatch identified 621 projects, costing taxpayers $830 million in a single state budget, as 'turkeys'—projects lacking proper scrutiny, according to City & State New York .
Conscious consumerism can't save local businesses without systemic change.
During the pandemic, 1 in 5 small businesses closed permanently, despite overwhelming pro-local sentiment from consumers.
Emergency service budget cuts create ethical dilemmas for community safety.
Government investments in social welfare, health, and education are most commonly associated with reductions in violence, a finding that fundamentally challenges how we allocate emergency service budg