Derek Molina
Editorial byline
Derek Molina is an editorial byline for City & Local, with a focus on Neighborhoods, Community, Local Guides. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.
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Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
How to Become a Foster Parent Through PAWS Chicago: Requirements and Application Steps
Becoming a foster parent with PAWS Chicago requires resident pets to be spayed/neutered and reliable transportation. The application involves completing an online form, awaiting approval, and scheduling a pick-up appointment to provide a loving temporary home for animals.
Oct 16, 2026 · 5 min read
Protecting Your Home from Flooding: A Guide to Mitigation and Insurance Savings
Homeowners can protect their properties from flood damage through various mitigation strategies like elevation, floodproofing, and relocation. Implementing these methods not only enhances resilience but can also qualify properties for reduced flood insurance premiums.
Oct 11, 2026 · 5 min read
Beyond Neighborhood Watch: A Guide to Three Community-Led Safety Models
This guide explores three distinct community-led safety models: Volunteer-Led School Streets, Placemaking and Equitable Development, and Resident-Government Partnerships. It details their unique approaches, operational structures, and resource needs to help communities select the best fit for their safety goals.
Oct 8, 2026 · 5 min read
A Resident's Guide to Speaking at a School Board Meeting
This guide provides residents with a step-by-step process for speaking effectively at school board meetings. It emphasizes understanding local policies, sign-up procedures, and presentation guidelines to ensure your voice is heard.
Oct 8, 2026 · 4 min read
How Public Art Gets Made: A Guide to Funding, Approval, and Maintenance
Public art follows a structured lifecycle involving distinct stages: securing funding through various sources, navigating multi-layered municipal approval processes, and establishing plans for long-term maintenance and conservation. Understanding this deliberate administrative framework is key for engaging with public art initiatives.
Oct 3, 2026 · 5 min read
Fears Over Battery Storage Safety Fuel Protests and New Regulations
Community fears over catastrophic fires and toxic emissions from large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are fueling protests and prompting new regulations, including moratoriums and safety setbacks, as governments balance clean energy needs with public safety concerns.
Oct 2, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Start and Sustain a Neighborhood Watch Program
Establishing a Neighborhood Watch program enhances local public safety and strengthens community bonds by fostering collaboration between residents and law enforcement. This guide outlines how to start, organize, and sustain an effective program for crime prevention and community engagement.
Oct 1, 2026 · 4 min read
Lincoln Market Park Opens, Reclaiming History and Green Space in The Ville
Lincoln Market Park has opened in St. Louis's The Ville neighborhood, transforming a vacant lot into a vital green space and community hub. The park reclaims historical significance, features public art, and is a key part of the MLK Cultural Boulevard revitalization.
Oct 1, 2026 · 4 min read
Volunteering at Animal Shelters: A Guide to Roles, Requirements, and Application
Volunteering at animal shelters offers diverse roles, from direct animal care to administrative support, helping local welfare organizations. This guide covers typical requirements, the application process, and variations in age and time commitments to help you find a rewarding opportunity.
Sep 30, 2026 · 5 min read
Identifying Your Property's Flood Risk with FEMA Maps
Understanding your property's flood risk is crucial for protecting your home and making informed decisions about insurance and mitigation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides detailed flood maps through its Flood Map Service Center (MSC) to help residents identify their flood zone, interpret key data like Base Flood Elevation (BFE), and understand local risk management efforts.
Sep 29, 2026 · 5 min read
Discovering and Interpreting Local Public Art Installations
Learn how to discover and interpret local public art installations by leveraging city resources, understanding their purpose, and appreciating their community context and artist's intent.
Sep 29, 2026 · 5 min read
Wichita Youth Development Charities: A Guide to Missions, Programs, and Volunteer Opportunities
Discover Wichita's leading youth development charities, including YVC, Junior Achievement, the YMCA, and United Way of the Plains. This guide details their missions, programs, and volunteer opportunities to help you make an informed impact.
Sep 29, 2026 · 5 min read
Navigating Mental Health Support in Georgia: A Resident's Guide
Georgia residents can access mental health support through the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) and state-funded programs managed by DBHDD. This guide details how to find and connect with these vital resources for crisis intervention, addiction support, and long-term care.
Sep 28, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Find Local Trekking Routes and Prepare for Outdoor Adventures
With over 500,000 trails searchable on platforms like AllTrails , the sheer volume of accessible outdoor adventures can feel overwhelming.
Sep 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Protecting library funding in 2026 is essential for community growth.
In Saline County, Arkansas, voters are poised to decide on a ballot measure that would slash $1.
Sep 19, 2026 · 3 min read
Early voting runs Oct. 15-31 in many areas
In Multnomah County, voters will encounter ranked-choice voting for the first time in the November 3, 2026, General Election.
Sep 18, 2026 · 6 min read
Community must balance history and development
In Denver, a 52-year-old building uses five times more energy than a modern green structure.
Sep 18, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are The Key Factors Contributing to Neighborhood Walkability?
In areas with the highest neighborhood walkability, over half of residents—specifically 51.
Sep 17, 2026 · 3 min read
Community Tourism's Local Experience Adaptation Trends Reshape Travel In 2026
In the first eight months of 2026, Đồng Tháp welcomed 3.
Sep 17, 2026 · 3 min read
How do local ballot initiatives work in California?
In 2018, San Francisco's Measure C, a tax on commercial landlords designated for child care services, passed with a narrow 51% of the vote, according to the California Budget & Policy Center .
Sep 16, 2026 · 4 min read