Community

30 articles

Diverse group of runners enjoying post-run camaraderie in a park, with Belfast skyline in the distance.
Local Guides

How to Join Local Running Clubs and Their Benefits

In Belfast, the Vegan Runners UK club launched a Couch to 5k program in January.

Derek Molina·September 11, 2026
A lively street festival in Boston with diverse people enjoying art, music, and food, demonstrating the economic and community benefits of local arts events.
Events

Local Arts Events Drive Community Growth and Economy

In just two weeks this past June, Boston residents and visitors poured an estimated $83 million into the city's economy, turning streets and businesses into buzzing hubs of activity.

Sophie Nguyen·September 10, 2026
People enjoying food and celebrating at Kansas City's Black Restaurant Week, highlighting local culinary talent and community.
Business Spotlights

Kansas City Black Restaurant Week Spotlights Local Culinary Talent

During a two-week-long storm outage, Q13 Sports Bar & Grill opened its doors to provide electricity and shelter for Kansas City, Kansas residents, showcasing the deep community roots of local Black-ow

Marco Alvarez·September 7, 2026
Split image comparing a structured Homeowners Association neighborhood with clear rules and a vibrant Neighborhood Association community.
Neighborhoods

HOA vs NA: Understanding Their Purposes and Functions

In Albuquerque, neighborhood associations cannot charge mandatory dues, and membership or voting rights cannot be based on payment, starkly contrasting with the legally binding fees of homeowners asso

Aaron Blake·September 5, 2026
A diverse group of people of different ages enjoying a lively outdoor community event, laughing and connecting with each other.
Community

Local events combat loneliness and build real community connections.

Loneliness, a silent epidemic, can increase anxiety and depressive symptoms, yet many overlook the simple, powerful antidote found in local community events.

Sophie Nguyen·September 4, 2026
A split image showing a gleaming modern skyscraper juxtaposed with a row of older, weathered houses, symbolizing urban transformation and resident displacement.
Neighborhoods

What is urban transformation and why does it displace residents?

Between 2000 and 2013, gentrification in US cities led to the displacement of at least 135,000 Black and Hispanic residents.

Derek Molina·September 4, 2026
A split image contrasting a large stadium concert with a smaller, vibrant local community event, highlighting the diverse September event landscape.
Events

September 3-13: Global concerts and local community events

While BTS performs to tens of thousands at SoFi Stadium, just a few hours north, residents can celebrate Dolly Parton or explore local farms.

Sophie Nguyen·September 3, 2026
Diverse seniors engaging in various activities like playing chess, walking, and socializing in a welcoming and vibrant retirement neighborhood.
Neighborhoods

What Factors Define Ideal Retirement Neighborhoods?

While one retiree dreams of a golf course and resort-style pool, another prioritizes proximity to grandchildren and specialized medical care.

Aaron Blake·September 1, 2026
A split image contrasting a gleaming modern city skyline with an older residential street showing a 'For Rent' sign, symbolizing the dual impact of city rankings.
Community

City rankings boost pride but can displace long-term residents

Oshkosh, Wisconsin, earned the No.

Derek Molina·August 31, 2026
A split scene showing a symphony orchestra performing outdoors and a lively multicultural arts festival with diverse attendees and activities in Utah Valley.
Events

Utah Valley gears up for packed events Aug. 29-Sept. 6

On August 29, 2026, Utah Valley residents face a dizzying choice: a high-profile symphony performance or a major multicultural arts festival, both happening simultaneously.

Sophie Nguyen·August 30, 2026
Renton community members celebrating the city's 125th birthday with a festival, dog pool party, and STEM activities in a park.
Events

Renton Community Guide Highlights September Events and Activities

From a birthday bash celebrating 125 years to a 'Pooch Plunge' for canine companions, Renton's September calendar offers an unexpectedly broad spectrum of community engagement.

Sophie Nguyen·August 29, 2026
A bustling city scene showcasing sustainable architecture, green spaces, and diverse people working together, representing economic and community growth.
Business Spotlights

Sustainable Business Practices Yielding Surprising Economic and Community Gains

In 2024, NFI delivered its highest number of zero-emission buses ever, accounting for 23% of total deliveries.

Marco Alvarez·August 29, 2026
A lively Main Street with diverse shoppers and engaging storefronts, showcasing the resurgence of local retail against e-commerce.
Business Spotlights

E-commerce's Double-Edged Sword: Main Street's New Local Retail Advantage

On Main Street in Northport, local businesses are actively hosting events and collaborating with neighbors to attract customers, demonstrating that a traditional 'shopkeeper mentality' is no longer su

Marco Alvarez·August 28, 2026
A lively farmers market with diverse shoppers and local farmers interacting amidst colorful, fresh produce under warm sunlight.
Food & Drink

What are the benefits of supporting local farmers markets?

For every $1 million in revenue, direct-market farms create almost 32 local jobs, a rate nearly three times higher than the 10.

Hannah Pierce·August 27, 2026
Split image contrasting a historic, diverse neighborhood with its gentrified, modern, and uniform counterpart, illustrating cultural change and displacement.
Neighborhoods

What is Gentrification and How Does It Reshape Neighborhood Culture?

In 2023, a study found that over 30% of long-term residents in historically Black neighborhoods in major U.

Derek Molina·August 23, 2026
A diverse group of families enjoying a sunny day at a local park, highlighting community connection and local family activities.
Local Guides

Utah mom creates local family fun guide for her community

Last Saturday, over 200 families flocked to a previously overlooked local park.

Derek Molina·August 23, 2026
A dynamic collage of Northern Utah events including a rodeo, a concert crowd, and a race finish line, set against a sunset.
Events

Northern Utah events August 22-30: Brannaman ProAm Vaquero Roping begins

On August 22nd, Northern Utah residents face an exhilarating dilemma: catch SOFI TUKKER at the Ogden Twilight Concert, race the Communities that Care 5K & Half Marathon, or experience opening night fo

Sophie Nguyen·August 23, 2026
San Francisco residents in a community meeting debating a large housing development that contrasts with the neighborhood's historic character.
Neighborhoods

Density Push for Affordability Risks Neighborhood Character

In San Francisco's affluent Marina District, a single community meeting photo ignited a generational battle over real estate, revealing deep divisions as hundreds of new homes are proposed.

Derek Molina·August 21, 2026
A lively community festival in Philadelphia's Old City in 2026, featuring Semiquincentennial and soccer-themed lanterns illuminating a diverse crowd.
Events

Top 4 Community Festivals & Events To Experience in 2026

In 2026, Philadelphia's Old City will glow with new Semiquincentennial and soccer-themed lanterns at the Chinese Lantern Festival, a vibrant highlight in a year blending deep cultural traditions with

Sophie Nguyen·August 19, 2026
A visual representation of gentrification showing new developments overshadowing older homes, symbolizing the erosion of community character and displacement of residents.
Community

Gentrification's rapid spread erodes community character and local economies.

The number of U.S. neighborhoods showing signs of gentrification has exploded sevenfold since the 1970s, transforming hundreds of communities and displacing countless residents. This widespread shift

Derek Molina·August 19, 2026
A lively main street with diverse small businesses, showcasing community interaction and the vital role of local enterprises in economic stability.
Community

Local businesses are the bedrock of community resilience and economic stability.

Small businesses, despite making up 99.

Derek Molina·August 18, 2026
Weathered New England fishing boats in a harbor at dusk, with a fisherman mending nets, symbolizing the economic challenges facing the industry.
Business Spotlights

New England fisheries face mounting economic pressures

Amidst the live music, boat parade, and silent auction of a recent New England fundraiser, fishermen and business owners united to spotlight the severe economic challenges threatening their livelihood

Marco Alvarez·August 17, 2026
A visually striking image depicting the multifaceted changes in an urban neighborhood, showcasing the blend of old and new, and the diverse community within.
Neighborhoods

What Factors Influence Neighborhood Character and Evolution?

The number of US census tracts showing signs of gentrification surged sevenfold, from 246 in the 1970s to 1,807 by the 2010s, according to the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) .

Aaron Blake·August 16, 2026
Diverse citizens trying to participate in a city council meeting, with some in-person and others on a Zoom screen, illustrating challenges in public engagement.
Community

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.

Hannah Pierce·August 13, 2026
Split image comparing a sterile modern coffee shop with a high-tech machine to a cozy, community-focused cafe with warm ambiance.
Food & Drink

Local Coffee Shops: Brews, Ambiance, Community Showdown

At 'The Daily Grind,' a $50,000 investment in a new espresso machine led to a 30% drop in repeat customers last year.

Hannah Pierce·August 12, 2026
A diverse group of people enjoying a sunny day at a bustling Chicago summer street market with colorful vendor stalls.
Best in City

Local Summer Markets: A Guide to Exploring Your Community

In Chicago, the Northalsted Market Days transforms a vibrant neighborhood into one of the Midwest's largest street festivals, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride alongside over 250 vendors, according to Choose C

Hannah Pierce·August 12, 2026
Diverse families enjoying a sunny day at a vibrant park with a playground and splash pad.
Best in City

7 Family-Friendly Parks and Green Spaces in Lehi and Flint

Lehi Family Park, designated as the city's 'top parks priority for the 2023 fiscal year,' will operate its primary family attractions, like the splash pad, on a strictly seasonal basis, open only from

Hannah Pierce·August 10, 2026
A diverse group of people happily shopping for fresh, colorful produce at a lively farmers market during golden hour.
Local Guides

How to Navigate Farmers Markets: Your Produce Shopping Guide

Over 8,000 farmers' markets now operate across the US, marking a 76% increase since 2000, according to the USDA Farmers Market Directory .

Hannah Pierce·August 10, 2026
Interior view of Jeff's Pizza in Ames, showcasing a lively atmosphere with customers enjoying coffee and a large pizza, emphasizing its community hub status.
Business Spotlights

Jeff's Pizza thrives in Ames with unique menu and community focus

At Jeff's Pizza in Ames, customers can grab a coffee at 8 AM, tackle a 30-inch pizza challenge in the afternoon, or order a Cordon Chicken specialty pie at 2 AM on a Saturday.

Marco Alvarez·August 10, 2026
Volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds actively repairing various household items at a bustling community repair cafe, fostering a sense of collaboration and sustainability.
Community

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

Derek Molina·August 8, 2026