City & Local

Local Governance

4 articles

Split image comparing a uniform HOA neighborhood with a diverse non-HOA neighborhood, illustrating differences in governance and property aesthetics.
Real Estate

What is the HOA role in local real estate governance and property values?

Homes in communities governed by homeowners associations (HOAs) typically sell for 5% to 6% more than comparable properties without such governance.

Aaron Blake·August 31, 2026
Diverse group of people collaborating in a public space, connected by subtle glowing lines symbolizing network structure and civic engagement.
Neighborhoods

How Network Structure Boosts Civic Engagement & Development

Community initiatives boost civic engagement and development through the hidden power of network structure and strategic network design.

Derek Molina·May 2, 2026
Diverse residents and a city official engaging in a lively discussion at a community meeting in a sunny park, symbolizing neighborhood associations' role in local governance.
Neighborhoods

What Are Neighborhood Associations and Their Role in Local Governance?

Neighborhood associations are volunteer-led groups that form the bedrock of community engagement, acting as a vital conduit between residents and city hall. They provide a formal platform for residents to discuss shared concerns and amplify their collective voice in local governance.

Derek Molina·April 5, 2026
Diverse community members actively participating in a local meeting, symbolizing the power of local input over distant, centralized government decisions.
Community

Top-Down Reorganizations Fail Communities; Local Input Is The Only Fix

When decisions about our national forests and local services are made in distant capital buildings, the results are often costly and ineffective. Here's why local community input is the only way forward.

Derek Molina·April 5, 2026