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.
Expertise
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
How to Start and Manage a Community Garden in 2026
Community gardeners report significantly higher levels of subjective well-being compared to those who tend individual home gardens, suggesting a unique boost to happiness.
May 14, 2026 · 6 min read
What Is the Role of Neighborhood Associations in Community Development?
Average community event meeting attendance and engagement have dropped in recent years, signaling a quiet crisis for local civic life.
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are Local Animal Control Services and Why Do They Matter for Community Safety?
In 2005, West Hollywood became the first U.
May 13, 2026 · 2 min read
New Braunfels Council Fires City Attorney Over Election Misstep
In a contentious 4-3 vote, the New Braunfels City Council fired City Attorney Valeria Acevedo, just weeks after a legal misstep she was blamed for overturned the city's mayoral election results.
May 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Hyperlocal Apps Boost Community Engagement Beyond Expectations in 2026
The WETA+ app, a hyperlocal streaming service, boasts an 11.
May 12, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Urban Community Gardens?
While often seen as simple plots of land, urban community gardens are quietly transforming diets and social bonds across neighborhoods.
May 12, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are the Benefits of Walkability in Urban Planning?
While a new park might seem like a simple amenity, it can quietly add millions to nearby commercial property values.
May 11, 2026 · 3 min read
EF1 tornado touches down in Delco, North Carolina Saturday
The Franklin-to-Monticello tornado in Mississippi reached a staggering width of 2,050 yards and injured 12 people, far exceeding the scale of initial EF1 reports.
May 11, 2026 · 4 min read
7 Parks for Outdoor Activities in 2026
In Anderson County, a $1.
May 11, 2026 · 4 min read
How City Council Structures and Engagement Work: A 2026 Guide
In 2024, Portland, Oregon, transitioned to a Mayor-Council structure, ending a 111-year run under a Commission system.
May 10, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Influence Local Government Programs and Services
In San Carlos, sixty young people, aged 12 to 17, actively shaped a General Plan update, proving that even unexpected voices can directly influence local policy.
May 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Role of Local Health and Human Services in Community Well-being?
Every dollar invested in local public health generates a $5.
May 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Top Family Neighborhoods for School Safety and Parks
Post-pandemic, San Francisco families are increasingly abandoning the city's traditional urban core.
May 10, 2026 · 4 min read
What Is Participatory Governance and How Can It Boost Local Initiatives?
In 2022, Petaluma, California, formed a 36-member community panel to guide its 55-acre fairgrounds.
May 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Tulsa Imposes Moratorium on New Data Centers Until 2026
Despite a citywide moratorium on new data center developments in Tulsa, Project Anthem remains exempt.
May 7, 2026 · 4 min read
What are urban green spaces and why do they matter for health?
Just 8% of countries worldwide control 80% of the planet's urban park area, totaling approximately 10,120.
May 7, 2026 · 6 min read
What Senior Services Are Available Locally?
Families caring for a loved one with dementia could receive an annual allowance of $2,500 for professional respite care.
May 7, 2026 · 3 min read
College Square Plaza's $7M Redevelopment Faces Gentrification Hurdles
A $7 million urban redevelopment project in Athens is being funded not by general taxes, but by a portion of the city's parking revenue.
May 6, 2026 · 5 min read
Top 4 Best Tips for Navigating City Public Markets in 2026
Many first-time visitors to bustling city markets find themselves staring blankly at piles of tomatoes, unsure whether to touch, squeeze, or simply guess at ripeness.
May 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Heritage Tourism: Benefits and Challenges for Local Communities
The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA) has leveraged federal funding for a return on investment exceeding 5 to 1, according to Nps .
May 6, 2026 · 6 min read